The captain of the boat and the first mate welcomed them and gave them a tour of the boat, allowing each to pick out a stateroom.
The yacht could accommodate twelve quite comfortably. The second yacht would have the same amenities and space for the women once they were rescued from the estate. There were no ifs, ands, or buts. They weren’t leaving the Bay of Cárdenas and the Straits of Florida without them.
Gabby was still unsure what she was involved with, but the accommodations sure beat the heck out of the barracks she had been living in. She threw herself on one of the beds. “Wow. This is scrumptious.”
Maggie laughed. “That’s one of my favorite words! Especially when Charles is cooking.”
“He can cook?” Gabby asked with surprise.
“A man of many talents,” Maggie assured her.
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around all of this,” Gabby said softly.
“Yeah. It’s a lot. And we ain’t done yet!” Maggie gave Gabby a big hug. “I can assure you of this, you are in the best hands ever.”
The yacht left the marina and headed south on Biscayne Bay. As they passed between Dodge Island and Star Island, Annie pointed in the distance. “I hear there’s an estate that’s about to be seized. It would make a great safe house for battered women.” She linked her arm through Myra’s as the boat set its course to Key West and beyond.
*
Both meetings went swimmingly. Simone gave up every ounce of information she had, including names, dates, and private cell numbers. Noah, too, shared all the details he had: the names of the fishing boats, schedules, and the names of the men with the accents. He divulged evidence of the money laundering through the Laundromat, the car wash, the farmers’ market, and the dry cleaner. They were moving over a hundred thousand dollars a week in and out.
The only thing that he didn’t know was who was supplying Ruffing with the drugs. But finding that out would be up to the FBI and the DEA. Noah gave them enough information to put things into action, starting with a warrant for Ruffing’s arrest and freezing all his assets. The agencies knew that capturing Ruffing might not be a possibility, especially if he chose to stay in Cuba. But cutting him off from his money would put him in a pickle.
Little did they know that the sisters had other plans for Ruffing. But before the wheels were set in motion, one of the things the sisters insisted on was that they be allowed to help relocate the members of The Haven, help them find gainful employment, and get them some street clothes. They shouldn’t have to suffer because of Ruffing’s criminal activities. A social worker would be assigned with the changeover, and Annie offered to help finance the transition.
Noah had only one request. He wanted to see Liam one last time. Nikki, Kathryn, and Alexis headed toward the airport to pick him up. Nikki recognized Liam from the photo on his books. After he cleared customs and went to claim his baggage, Nikki caught up with him and touched his arm. “Hi, my name is Nikki Quinn. I am a friend of Gabby Richardson.”
Liam looked panicked. “Is she all right?”
“Yes, she is absolutely fine. But we need to talk. Get your bags, and we’ll give you a ride.” Kathryn waved from the far side of the carousel.
“Can you tell me what this is all about?” Liam asked as he heaved a suitcase from the revolving drum.
“As soon as we get in the car.” Nikki followed him to the car.
Alexis was waiting behind the wheel as they approached. She pressed the button to release the liftgate of the SUV, and Liam placed his bag inside.
“Hello. I’m Alexis.” She looked over the top rim of her sunglasses.
“I’m Kathryn.” She shoved her big hand at him.
“So. What is this all about?” Liam asked casually.
“It’s about your brother, and yes, he’s okay. Physically, anyway,” Nikki added, as Liam gave her a puzzled look.
“It also has to do with Daniel Ruffing,” Nikki said plainly.
Liam almost flinched at the sound of his name.
Nikki began to explain everything to Liam. Almost everything. She told Liam about the arrest and that Noah was going to turn state’s evidence against Ruffing and go into witness protection.
“Wait a second. You’re telling me that my brother is going to testify against Ruffing in return for protection?”
“That is correct.”
Liam was dumbfounded. “But how? I mean, how did this happen?”
Nikki went on to explain the money-laundering scheme, drug and human trafficking, and ultimately Noah’s arrest. Liam sat in disbelief, especially when he learned that it was young women from The Haven who were being tricked into becoming courtesans.
“I never trusted Ruffing, but I kept giving him the benefit of the doubt.” Liam ran his fingers through his hair. “I suppose I was in denial, too. Everything seemed to be working well, but deep down I had a feeling that something was amiss. It just didn’t feel right.” Liam sounded forlorn. “I guess that makes me a hypocrite, too.”
Nikki looked at Liam. She could see why people would be drawn to him. His level of sincerity was palpable.
“No. It makes you a believer in all things positive.” Nikki sighed. “Unfortunately, most of the time, the rest of the world doesn’t work that way.”
Liam chuckled softly. “Noah would always tell me that I had reality issues. I guess this is a big dose of reality, eh?”
“I can’t imagine what is going through your mind right now,” Nikki offered. “Just know that all your people at The Haven will be taken care of. Social workers will be helping them transition to jobs and housing.”
“I’m relieved to hear that.” Liam sighed. “I’d hate to think I was the cause of anyone’s pain or suffering, especially if they believed in what I said about being a better person. Living an authentic life.” Liam shook his head. “This is quite difficult for me to process.”
“The other good news is that Gabby is okay and is working with us.”
“You keep mentioning ‘us.’ Can I assume there are more of you?”
“Yes, you certainly can!” Kathryn bellowed, causing Liam to jump.
That, in turn, caused everyone to laugh. Nikki looked over at Liam again. Tears were welling in his eyes. Nikki squeezed his hand.
“It’s going to be all right. In a few days, things are going to break wide open, but rest assured—you. Gabby, and your people will be safe. As will Noah and Simone. I know it’s hard for you to accept me saying ‘trust us,’ but you’re going to have to for now.”
They were getting close to the detention center as Nikki explained what Liam could expect. He and his brother would be in a small interrogation room with a guard, and they would have a half hour together.
Alexis dropped Nikki and Liam at the front entrance. “Text me when you’re ready to leave.” She looked at Liam and gave him a warm smile. “Good luck. I know this isn’t going to be easy. Places like this give me the creeps.” She shuddered as she remembered the year she had spent behind bars, wrongly imprisoned for fraud.