Deep Into The Night (Hartz Island Series) (20 page)

Chapter Thirty-One

E
arly morning traffic was non-existent Saturday morning. Just off the main road about a mile from the terminal, Ray turned down a secluded lane and stopped at a small cottage with a carport attached. Luke peered out the window, barking.

“Try and come up with a plan while I let Luke out. Please.”

The small cottage suits Ray
, she thought. She closed her eyes and liked the feel of Ray’s surroundings. Montana got out of the Mustang and stretched; her body hurt. To keep the muscles loosened from the fall, she moved around with slow swinging yoga motions, thinking of what to do.

The lab bounded up to her and sniffed, then went looking for a place to pee. Ray threw a ball for him in different directions. Montana stopped in mid-motion and asked, “Are we taking the Jeep Wrangler?”

“Yes.”

Montana moved into her next move and paused. “We should take Luke with us.” She continued her movements. “Let’s pretend to get on the ferry, but don’t. I’ll stay with the Jeep while you run Luke. How does that sound?” Her arms went above and then around several times.

“So we can both be looking at the vehicles boarding without standing there looking conspicuous. I can take Luke jogging down the road while you just sit in the Jeep.”

“Yes.”

“I like it.”

Luke got in the backseat and poked his head between the seats. Within a few minutes, they arrived at the terminal. No one was waiting yet, not even an employee. The sky had just started to lighten. Ray parked off to the side and leashed Luke, just in case.

“I’m still hungry.” Montana opened the container. “I think it’s the enticing aroma.” She offered him the box. “You want one?”

“Sure.” Ray pulled apart a piece and gave it to the dog, and then took a bite.

“You know, Ray, you might have to accept the possibility those kayaks are a decoy. Rob Armstrong is cunning and a very deceitful greedy man. He’s the sort of guy who would scream police harassment by setting you up.” Montana opened the thermos, poured Ray a cup, and then one for her. “What do you think is in those kayaks?”

“That time of night with those wetsuits, my guess is contraband of some sort. I hope it’s not women like Jack thinks.”

Montana closed her eyes and shook her head gently. “Maybe if it were a canoe or a raft. A small person could lie on the base and be covered with a canvass, but a kayak? Where are they coming in from?”

“We think Victoria and Vancouver.”

“Ah, yes. They do have quite a problem. I volunteer at a mission over there to try and get the young prostitutes off the street. They need good role models.”

Ray’s mouth dropped open, and he stared at her.

“What? You don’t think I’m a good role model?”

“No, it’s not that. You just surprise me. That’s all.”

Two cars pulled in and parked down by the water off to the side. Workers had arrived. Ray headed over to speak to the people and returned a few minutes later. He moved the Wrangler down the line and off to the right.

“We will be the last vehicle to board, but I will be gone. The guys said they would motion and yell, throw up their hands, and then pull out, leaving you behind. You will act clueless to where I am. How does that sound?”

“Perfect.”

Cars pulled in periodically, but nothing that screamed hybrid or illegal. Ray read off license plates, and Montana recorded them. With fifteen minutes to go, Ray took Luke out of the car and walked him to the edge of the lot. Like all good male dogs, he sniffed out a place and lifted his leg. He and Luke moved at a nice trot up the parking lot and out of her view.

Just like they talked about, when the ferry started to load, Montana got out of the Jeep and started the worry watch. The last vehicle was loaded, and they technically had five minutes to go before pulling out. Just the like men said, they yelled over to her and she threw up her arms in despair. Montana turned and looked up the road for Ray and Luke. Four bicyclists pedaled in fast, coasting the last bit down to the ferry. They did not stop to buy tickets, but handed something over when they boarded. Montana used Ray’s phone and clicked away. The ferry pulled out, leaving her behind, just like they’d planned.

Trotting at a good pace, Ray and Luke joined her. “I’m guessing those were our kayakers,” said Ray.

Montana handed Ray his cellphone. “I got back-side photos. Swoosh. They were fast.”

“Yep. Would you pull the Jeep over there while I make a few phone calls? I’m going to see if the ferry personnel noticed anything.” He opened the door for Luke to hop in and handed Montana the keys. She moved the Jeep off to the side.

Ray joined her in a few minutes. “No one noticed anything out of the ordinary.” He shook his head. “I sent the photos on to Friday Harbor. Not sure what they can do other than grab them for questioning when they exit the ferry. I can tell you that won’t go over well.”

Montana felt his frustration. “You can’t let them get to you.”

He raised his brow. “You’re one to talk.”

“I think it’s different for me.”

“I’m a very patient man. What we have here are tiny puzzles combined with arrogance, but arrogance might be what will bring them down.”

Montana and Ray headed back to the Ryan’s to fetch Montana’s car. She started her car and put the Saab in reverse, backed up, and turned around with no problem.

“This is so odd. Last night I just kept stalling.”

“Who knows? Maybe you were meant to be stuck,” he said matter-of-factly, grinning. “I’m giving up on figuring certain things out.” He wanted to add
especially when it comes to you
. “I’ll follow you home to make sure there is no other problem.”

Ray waited until he saw Montana emerge from her car and give him a wave. He hit the gas and headed home, wondering how he missed the complexity of sleepy Hartz Island where nothing happens—other than smugglers and sex traffickers. On top of that, Ray had underestimated Armstrong, and it pissed him off.

Chapter Thirty-Two

T
he early morning light streamed through the mini-blinds. Jack held Cassie tightly with her back up next to him. She smiled. Someone was awake, even though his breathing said differently. Cassie turned over so she could see his face. Her reaction to him had never wavered from her teenage years to now: heat flooding her body, her heart pounding out of control, and the intense desire to melt into his arms. And there she was. But what about tomorrow, or the next day, and the next? That was the future, but today was the present. If she and Jack were meant to be, they would; if not, well, she’d deal with it.

In the last week, so many of her mother’s sayings popped into her brain, like
some things are worth waiting for
.
Yep, Mom you got that one right
. Or
you have to put your trust in God
. Cassie wasn’t so sure about that one, but she was willing to pray she and Jack belonged together.

She gently stroked his cheek. Jack stirred, slightly parting his lips, inviting a kiss. She pressed her mouth to his, and oh, yes, he was inviting. Jack moved his body over hers, and he explored her mouth with slow, searching kisses, leaving her burning for more. He opened his eyes and smiled.

“Someone’s awake,” he said.

Cassie laughed. “I could say the same thing about you.”

Rocking his pelvis into her, he groaned and she gasped. “Yes you could.” Between slow drugging kisses he murmured, “We have all morning.” He pulled off the flannel shirt she wore and gazed at her breasts.

She smiled shyly. “They’re not…Hollywood big.”

He traced her nipples with his tongue. “They’re beautiful.”

He took each breast in his mouth and sucked gently, tantalizing the tip. The louder she moaned, the more he explored. Like a falcon teasing his prey, he took his time. Not until she was ready did he let his control go. Afterwards, she lay in his arms. His hand rested in the moistness between her legs, and she smiled, contented and drowsy.

The ringing of Jack’s cellphone woke them. With her eyes closed, she listened to the one-sided conversation and when he finished she asked, “What time is it?”

“It’s nine. That was Ray Carlson. We need to get up to the island. Stuff is happening.”

Cassie groaned and rolled onto her stomach. Jack threw off his covers and headed into the bathroom.

“Come on, Cass. Let’s go. Duty calls.”

Laying there in a warm drowsy state, Cassie had a few expletives to attach to duty calls. She smiled, thinking about Jack all hot and big inside her. It was like she couldn’t get enough of him. Couldn’t duty just wait a little while longer?

“I’m going to make us breakfast,” he shouted from the shower.

She did not stir out of the bed until he came through dressed before heading to the kitchen.

Cassie was not surprised to find Jack on the phone when she walked into the kitchen. He sat at the counter with a large yellow pad, jotting down notes. When she walked by, he patted her butt, which caught her by surprise, so she stopped and backed up so he could pat it again. Cassie glanced at his yellow pad, but nothing made sense. They were just a bunch of arrows, lines, and letters. His version of shorthand. When he finished, Jack ripped off the top page and handed Cassie the yellow pad.

“While I fix breakfast, will you take notes? Also, make a list of things you want to take from here up to the island, like the laptop.”

What hadn’t made sense before, sort of did now. Jack had a list of equipment he wanted to bring. They finished eating, and Cassie made her list. It was short: clothes and laptop.

Jack’s phone continued to ring while they packed up. Between phone calls, they’d decided what to take and what to leave behind. Katerina’s dress now hung in Jack’s closet with her shoes next to his. Everything else that she owned fit into one of Jack’s suitcases.

They stood at the back of the Tahoe while Jack rearranged things. The sounds of an approaching car echoed through the garage.

“Oh, great,” Cassie muttered.

Jack grinned.

The silver BMW pulled into its designated spot. Out popped Misty in tight workout clothes that emphasized her enormous chest. She took her time, making sure Jack saw it all.

“You know those aren’t real, don’t you?” Cassie asked under her breath.

Jack laughed. “Haven’t you heard, more than a mouthful is too much?” He turned back around and loaded up their things.

“Right. That’s what you all say. Men are such liars.”

“Hey, not all of us.”

Misty stopped in front of them and waited for Jack to turn around. Cassie swore her gaze settled on Jack’s crotch. “So…going somewhere…Jack?” she asked.

Cassie glanced at Jack, who grinned. He seemed to find these encounters humorous. She found them annoying. With the very large rock still on her left hand, she brought it up and rested it on her cheek and smiled, wiggling her ring finger. Oh, yeah, Misty saw it.

“Well, that’s quite a paper weight. Who would have ever thought?” She marched off.

“What the hell was that about?” asked Jack. He looked at her. “Do you know?”

“Maybe.” Cassie flipped her hand up and wiggled her finger.

“I don’t get women. Why did you do that?”

“She’s annoying. Look at her. That’s the look Hollywood wanted, and I didn’t have it. Not even the boobs. I guess I’m just jealous.”

Jack sat down on the back of the SUV and pulled her in, wrapping his arms around her. “Why?” He brushed her hair away and kissed her. “There’s always going to be a Misty out there.” He kissed her again, his lips warm and tender. “But you…hell, Cass, you make me hot.” His hands took her face, and he stared into her eyes. “And you’re going to have to trust me.”

The surprise about how he felt left her speechless. He lifted his brows and waited for her to nod.

“Good, let’s get going.”

When they exited the garage, Jack’s phone dinged several times. “Do you mind?” he asked.

She didn’t. More than anything, she wanted to think about their morning, which she did while he zipped along the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Cassie was blown away by what Jack had admitted. But what if he was wrong? What if she never made him hot again? The insecurity battle roared in her brain. Tears welled in her eyes, but she brushed them away. Jack reached over, squeezed her thigh, and let his hand rest on her knee.

He parked at the rear entrance of his office building and turned to Cassie. “Okay, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.”

“Something is wrong. Does it have to do with the fact that I was on the phone?”

“No. It’s something stupid, that’s all.”

“I’ve heard a lot of stupid things in my life. We’re not getting out of the truck until you tell me.” He hit the lock button.

She sighed. “It’s…silly.”

He pulled her to face him. “Tell me.”

She dropped her eyes from his gaze. “What if…I…never make you hot again.” She shrugged. “Like tonight…or let’s say next week?”

“Ah, Christ. That’s what you’re worried about?”

“I told you it was stupid.”

He shook his head, laughing a low throaty laugh. “Here I thought it had to do with my job and being on the phone. Honey, unless someone shoots off my balls, I will find you hot tonight.” Jack hit the unlock button and looked at her. “And next week. Do you have any questions?”

She smiled and shook her head.

“Good, I’m glad we got that solved. Get Heather’s things.”

Cassie grabbed the bag from under her feet and hopped out, joining Jack. He swiped his key card for the back entrance. Holding her free hand, they made their way down a long corridor to his area. The room that had been filled with agents last night was quiet this morning.

Jack pulled out a chair for her next to his desk. “Hopefully, this paperwork won’t take long.”

His tone was apologetic, which Cassie found interesting. Someone must have given him grief in the past about work and the phone.

“Not a problem. I’m fast on the keyboard if you want to dictate to me.”

“Great. Let’s put Heather’s things together first.”

Cassie pulled out the wig and the borrowed clutch purse.

“Keep the wig just in case we need it.”

She set it aside but handed Jack the borrowed clutch purse. He opened it, grinned, and showed her. Speechless, she stared at the wad of money. Unnerved by last night, Cassie had forgotten about the roulette winnings.

He counted it all out and whistled. “A thousand bucks. You were hot.” Her eyes met his.

“I had no idea.”

He laughed. “I know, Mrs. Sokolov. Which reminds me.” He pointed to the ring.

Cassie admired the huge setting one more time, then slipped it off and handed it to him. “Do we get to keep that money?”

“My guess is no. I do know this: you need to be paid for last night. Figure out what the government owes you as a professional actress. I’ll submit it with the report.” He handed her a form to fill out.

As a card holding member of the Screen Actors Guild, Cassie knew the basic scale rates and calculated time, minus the time she and Jack were in the hotel room, and submitted to him. In less than an hour, they’d finished up Jack’s report, dropped off paperwork at various desks, and headed out to where Jack had parked. Cassie followed him into a large warehouse area that held an enormous assortment of equipment from inflatable boats to specialized clothing.

“What are we getting?” she asked, turning and looking around.

“Everything we need for surveillance on land and water.” Jack pointed to the clothing section. “Pick out whatever you need to stay warm and dry and also for Montana.” He handed her a duffel bag. Her eyes widened. “Just in case you want to help.”

With everything loaded into the Tahoe, they were ready to head north on I-5. Jack turned his phone to silent and put it in the cup holder.

“You don’t have to do that,” said Cassie. She thought it was sweet that he did.

“I know, but I want to.”

The traffic was light heading north out of the city. The light rain cast a dull gray hue onto their surroundings. “Hang on.” Jack swerved to the right and made a fast exit at Northgate.

“Why are we stopping?”

“I promised you a replacement coat. You said you wanted to go to Nordstrom, so here we are.” He parked just outside their front door.

She smiled. “Nice.”

“How fast can you shop?”

She laughed. “I’ll show you. I have to warn you though; I haven’t been inside a Nordstrom store for a long time, so you might have to drag me past certain sections, like shoes.”

Once inside the store, Jack led the way to the directory and pointed at women’s lingerie and smiled. She laughed. “You don’t strike me as a shopper guy.”

“Trust me. I’ve done my time.” He reached for her hand, and they went up the escalator.

“Does this have anything to do with that corner of clothes in the closet?”

“Maybe.”

“Did you date her long?” Cassie watched his reaction.

His mouth turned down. “Long enough.”

Quickly, she scanned through the coats and pulled out three to try on. She modeled each one.

“They all look good. Pick your favorite.”

Which she did. On the way to the register, Jack stopped by the table of leather gloves and picked out a pair of deep burgundy and black ones.

“They go with your coat.”

Cassie tried them on, and smiled, admiring the supple leather. “Which one?”

“Both.”

“Really?”

When they exited the store, she looped her arm through his, and they dashed through the rain to the truck. He opened her door and grabbed her bags, tossing them in the back. She waited for him to climb in and shut the door.

“Thank you very much. You didn’t have to do this.”

“I know, but I wanted to. You didn’t have to do last night either. I mean…being Russian. By the way, I’ve always liked leather. With or without clothing.”

She did a double take. This was a facet of Jack Wyatt she never expected. Wordlessly she stared at him.

“What?” He grinned. “You don’t have any fantasies?”