Page 2 of Beachcomber Enemy

“Where are we going?”

It was a reasonable question but he had no answer. Yet.

“You’ll be the first to know as soon as my plan comes together. Lucky thing I do my best thinking underwater.” Holding onto her arm, as if he needed to make sure she’d follow, he dove under the water. They needed to stay under as much as possible until they rounded the jetty where they could find a way to get to shore.

Dusk settled over them, making the light from the flames stand out in the sky even from the distance they’d managed to gain on the other side of the jetty. He knew Cap’s officers would search the house for them—or for their bodies. But he also knew Cap would look for them elsewhere. He’d check out back. He’d check the water.

Dane swam with Shana into the shallows and stayed low, then partially stood so they could walk. There were people out on decks and walking the beach, so they’d need to be careful not to be spotted.

Dane and Shana would be recognizable, not only because they were fully clothed and drenched, but because they were minor celebrities on the island. Dane wanted to take no chances. He headed under another pier.

“Where are we going, Dane?” she asked again. He knew she wouldn’t follow him for much longer before making a mutiny play.

She would have ideas of her own.

“Where do you want to go?”

“I think we should go to Cap’s.”

He should have known.

“Too obvious. He’ll be watched. Whoever set off the explosion is in the area and will be looking for official confirmation of the kill. Cap is front and center on that stage.”

“Then where?”

He almost smiled at her defensive tone, but he was looking past her at two small green lights glowing in the semidarkness.

The Coast Guard station wasn’t too far away. Another mile in the water, slow going but doable.

“Let’s make a visit to Captain Vendi.”

“Vendi? He’s just as official as Cap.”

“Except they’re not looking at a boating accident. They’re looking at a house explosion. Vendi isn’t going to be involved in the investigation. We can make contact with him and he’ll go along with keeping us undercover. Besides, we need someone with access to official channels to help with our investigation.”

“Are you proposing that we sleep at the Coast Guard station?” She looked askance at him as he tugged her arm again, pulling her back into the water. They’d need to skirt around the moored boats and look out for moving craft. At least it was a nice night for a swim.

He didn’t answer her because he had no answer. Yet again.

The basement at the Lucky Parrot was a better choice, he knew. It was already decked out for overnight guests and had an IT setup from when Acer—his friend Jeremiah Acerman—had used the space to hide out during a prior mission.

Rolling to his back, he eyed her.

“What?” she said, a little breathless.

“You’re out of shape, girlie.”

“I just got back from a ten-mile run, Mr. Legend. I’d beat your ass in a swimming race any time you want to challenge me—except tonight.”

“We’ll stay at the Lucky Parrot.”

She stopped and he could tell she stood, finding purchase on the rocky shore under the water as they approached the Coast Guard station pier. Dane angled right and swam strong for the beach before standing and walking to the short stone wall of the property adjoining the station.

She caught up with him as he crouched low and walked fast up along the fence toward the street. He aimed to go to the basement door and wait until he knew everyone but Vendi was gone for the night. He was taking a chance, but only a small one, that Vendi would be there late. The man practically lived his job. Probably why they got along so well. It was a lifestyle more than a job for Vendi. Same as for Dane. Same as for Shana.

“No,” she whispered. “We can’t stay at the Parrot. That place is no good for anything more than a base of operations. I can’t stay holed up there.”

“You’re awfully fussy for a woman on the run with a rabid killer after her.”