Part 15 (1/2)

And now it was done. The tail they'd put on him had made it evident where her loyalties lay, and he accepted that, even if he didn't like it. He wondered if they'd contacted his captain. He was probably fired already, and that inspired even more of a feeling of recklessness. Sarah said they'd promised to keep a low profile, but that was when they thought he was cooperating.

Maybe he could have used their help-he wasn't even one hundred percent sure what he was looking for, or what he would uncover here. Even if the operation was used to trap unsuspecting women, they could be taking them back to the mainland to a filming studio or a warehouse where the p.o.r.n was manufactured. His stomach rolled again, thinking of it.

He would just have to wing it-it wouldn't be the first time. He was here, he was on his own, and he was going to see what he could find. After a quick shower he dressed slowly, going over his game plan. Sliding his key card in his pocket, he exited the cabin and followed a group of formally dressed men and women up to the main deck. He was glad he'd rented a tux. Everyone was dressed to the nines.

He emerged into a s.p.a.ce that stunned him for a moment with its grandiosity: bright light settled on rich mahogany tables, cream cus.h.i.+ons on the chairs invited people to sit for just a little while longer, and a glittering bar dominated the port side. At the far end a buffet of expensive treats tempted him, the aroma reminding him he hadn't eaten much since leaving the inn.

He made his way to the bar, handed the bartender his key card, and ordered a beer. The little magnetic card did more than open your stateroom door. It also opened your credit card and cash accounts while you were on board. High-tech convenience and cash-it also meant customers ran up invisible expenses during their stay, and could drain their accounts without much effort.

He took the bottle and looked at the beer, sliding the gla.s.s back toward the bartender. Of course they only had the most expensive brands. It wasn't really a high rollers' club, but was geared toward making middle-cla.s.s customers feel like part of the elite. Become part of the upper crust and suddenly you can afford to throw money around like them, too.

He turned as a cheer went up from an adjoining room-apparently someone was on a winning streak. The section he was in housed c.r.a.ps and blackjack. He made his way toward the food, planning to eat before he lost a little money, and then hopefully he could slip away unnoticed and start his search.

Hot and cold specialties were set before him on s.h.i.+ning silver plates and crystal dishes. He would have been happy with a loaded burger, but he settled for a slab of prime rib.

Looking over the rest of the food, his eye caught something sparkling at the periphery of his vision. He followed the bait, catching a glimpse of smooth skin peeking through a slit in a glittering, cobalt-blue dress.

He admired the shapely foot at the end of the perfect calf, fitted into a heel that looked sharp enough to kill someone. Suddenly he understood why some guys liked their women to keep their shoes on while they did it. A husky voice spoke close by his ear, and he realized the wearer of the shoe was addressing him. He'd been caught peeking. She said only one word.

”Hungry?”

He closed his eyes, his grip tightening on his plate, then looked up. Sure enough, when he opened them, they were looking right back into the most wicked, beautiful blue eyes he'd ever seen.

”Sarah.”

11.

HE SHOOK HIS HEAD. ”I should have known.”

”Yes, you should have.”

Sarah's tone was light, but her expression was neutral, giving nothing away. It was all he could do to manage the same. They didn't know who was watching.

She smiled, though the expression didn't reach her eyes, and he looked away, back at the food, relieved his voice sounded unconcerned.

”So how'd you figure it out?”

”Easy enough. Just traced a few phone calls-”

”From the motel.”

She nodded and he shook his head almost imperceptibly. ”I knew I should have used a pay phone, but I couldn't with your man on me.”

”I was surprised you didn't shake him sooner.”

”In my own city, in my own car, I would have. But time was short, and I had to get where I needed to go.”

She smiled, hoping they looked like two singles meeting over the buffet.

”Let's eat and talk.”

”I don't think so. You may be here, but I'm still working alone.”

”Fine. Since you're not into working together, I guess I won't tell you what I've found so far.”

She walked to a small, unoccupied table and sat down. She didn't invite him, but he pulled out the other chair and sat anyway.

”What you've found? You've only been here a few hours.”

She reached over and tugged his tie lightly. ”Stop growling and try to look like you're actually interested in me.”

Something changed slightly in his eyes and he grasped her hand in his, rubbing his thumb across her palm, causing her breath to hitch.

”I am interested in you. You know that. That dress, by the way, is killing me.”

She felt her cheeks warm-G.o.d, how long had it been since she'd blushed? She cleared her throat, easing her hand away.

”Um, you should know, we have company.”

He looked around. ”Where?”

Lifting her fingers to the onyx choker she wore, she spoke lightly.

”My necklace is a bug. Ian and E.J. can track me and hear every word I say, and every word said within about four yards.”

His eyebrows raised, and he reached forward, sliding his thumb under the gold band, sending a s.h.i.+ver over her skin.

”I'm surprised they haven't picked it up yet-their security is tuned to find electronics that could be used for cheating.”

”This is top-secret stuff-the s.h.i.+pboard system can't detect it. We're beta testing it for the feds.”

”Cool.” He leaned in closer, dropping his eyes to the soft skin of her throat. ”Then your partners can hear me tell them to take a hike and stop trying to mess with my case.”

She sighed. ”Yeah, I'm sure they heard that, loud and clear. I'm also pretty sure they don't really care. This isn't just your case anymore.”

His brown eyes glittered and he drew back, switching his attention to the dinner he'd been ignoring.

”So what did you find?”

”Oh, all of a sudden you want information from me? Pack sand. I'm going to go play.”

She stood up, and his hand was like a whip, closing around her wrist and holding her still.

Heat flowed through her blood, temper and desire, and she fought equal impulses to deck him and to kiss him. It hadn't been long since those hands had touched her everywhere-and her body's responses leaped in remembrance.

”Hands off, Logan.”