Taken by Storm (27 page)

“Nope,” MJ answered. It hadn’t even occurred to him, but now that Beck had said it, he knew Enzo wasn’t going to be arrested. “He’s the most manipulative bastard there is. He’ll surface someday, but not until this blows over.”

“Spoken like someone who’s suffered under his roof,” Merrick said. “I can empathize.”

“Let’s get to the hospital,” Rachael said, taking Merrick’s hand and tugging. “I’m sure Maddie could use the support.”

“You’re lucky you have this as an excuse to get me to the hospital,” Merrick said. “I hate being poked and prodded.” He pulled her down onto his lap and kissed her cheek and neck playfully.

“That’s what she said,” Beck muttered and laughed to himself.

Riley gave Beck a few exaggerated blinks. “Really?”

MJ got up and collected the Weston Plantation file from the table. “We’ll talk about this soon,” he told Joan.

“Can’t wait,” she said, giving him a thousand-watt smile that was anything but sincere.

“The Dragon Lady has sharp claws, Junior,” Beck said, wrapping an arm across his chest and grimacing in pain as he stood up. “Consider yourself warned.”

“I sink them in deep too,” Joan said, cocking an eyebrow at Beck.

“That’s no lie,” he said and winked at her.

MJ might never understand what those two had going on between them. Then again, he probably didn’t want to.

“Before we leave,” Merrick said, raising his cup of the forgotten champagne. “I’d like to make a toast to my son.”

MJ couldn’t help feeling like he’d reverted to being a six-year-old again when he longed to meet his dad, to hear Merrick call him son.

“I’m already proud of you,” Merrick said. “I can see so many qualities of a good man inside you. Determination, loyalty, a fierce protective streak and a heart that will get you into more trouble that you expect.” Merrick gave Rachael a knowing look. “But it will also lead you right to where you should always be. So, don’t ignore it.”

“To Junior,” Beck said, tossing back his two-fingers of champagne.

The rest of them swallowed theirs down and MJ let the unfamiliar but warm feeling of belonging sink into his bones.

“Okay,” Rachael said, collecting their cups. “To the hospital. Now. No more delays.”

MJ followed her and Merrick inside. The studio apartment was modern with high ceilings and exposed metal I-beams. The stark white walls were dotted with bright, abstract paintings. Charcoal gray marble floors spanned the entire space. Ornate, blown glass chandeliers hung from the ceiling and every piece of furniture was made with straight lines and metal legs. It was a culture shock coming here from Turtle Tear.

“Don’t screw up my instrument,” Beck called to Riley from behind MJ. “Keep your eye on him, Joan.”

“She always has her eyes on me,” Riley called back, mockingly.

Rachael grabbed her purse and had one hand on the doorknob when Merrick put a hand over his pocket. “Hold on. That’s my phone.”

Merrick took his phone out and glanced at the screen, frowning. “Hello?” he said. As he listened to whoever was on the other end, he looked over at MJ. “No,” Merrick said, “I’m not in contact with my father.”

The call was about Enzo. The police? It had to be.

“I’d be happy to answer questions for you. Right now I’m on my way to the hospital to visit Mr. Simcoe.” Merrick nodded as he listened. “Yes, my sister and her husband should be on their way home. They’ve been vacationing this past week with me and my family.” Again, Merrick glanced over at MJ, then reached for Rachael’s hand. “Nadia
Montgomery, his granddaughter, might be able to locate him. I know for a fact she’s been in contact with him as recently as last night, possibly today.” Merrick dropped his head. “She’s my daughter.”

Maddie’s dad was incredibly stubborn. He wouldn’t let her help him do anything, including walking him to the shower down the hall. “All I have to do is push this IV stand along, Peach. I think I can manage that.”

“Fine. I’ll wait here.” She plopped back down in the chair beside his bed. He’d be released tomorrow and she had no idea where they’d be going. But, Coach knew a lot of people. She’d call him in a little while and see if he had any leads on a cheap place they could rent.

The phone beside Maddie’s dad’s bed rang. She picked the receiver up and held it to her ear. “Hello?”

“Madeline, it’s good to hear your voice.” Chills ran over her skin. Enzo Rocha. “The police are looking for you.”

“They won’t find me. But, I’ll always know where you are. The one who pushed and pushed until my secret came out.”

“I didn’t tell anyone.”

“No, but you wouldn’t stay away from MJ. You didn’t take my warning seriously.”

“I’m not listening to another word.” She slammed the phone down, grabbed the business card the investigator had left and dialed his number.

After telling him about the call, he suggested hiring private security for her and her father until they could locate Enzo and get him into custody.

She couldn’t afford private security. She didn’t even have a place to live.

Hopelessness set in. She crawled into a ball in the chair and wept. She couldn’t even run away, because her father was in danger because of her.

D
on’t cry, Mads.”

She jerked her chin up to find MJ standing in the doorway. Her heart leapt from her chest to her throat.

He stepped inside the room. “How’s your dad? Where is he?”

“Shower,” she said. “He’s good.”

“I know I said I’d see you tonight,” he said, walking toward her, “but Merrick and Beck are here getting their wounds from the wreck checked out. Do you mind?”

With fear lacing her veins, she’d never been so happy to see him. “No. I’m glad you’re here.”

MJ knelt in front of her, scooped her into his arms and kissed her over and over until she couldn’t catch her breath.

“MJ,” she said, pushing him away. “Enzo just called me. It’s not over. He still wants to keep me away from you.”

“What? Why?”

“He says I didn’t listen. I went to Turtle Tear and it’s my fault his secret had to come out.”

MJ stood and pulled her to her feet. “Okay. We’ll call the police. He can’t do this to you.”

“I called them. They told me to hire private security. I don’t even know where we’re going to live. I can’t afford to hire security.” She wiped her puffy eyes.

Maddie saw the wheels in his head spinning a million miles a minute. “I’ll be right back.” He pointed to the chair. “Don’t leave this room.”

He dashed out the door and she sat back down, defeated.

A few minutes later, her dad came back in, dressed in a fresh gown, pushing his IV stand. “I’m back in one piece, Peach, as promised.”

“Good, you stubborn old goat.” She helped him back into bed and tucked the covers around him.

“Knock, knock,” Rachael said from the doorway. MJ stood behind her. “I heard you’re the nurses’ favorite. Are you flirting with them, Mr. Simcoe?”

He laughed. “All old men flirt with lovely ladies. Come in.”

Rachael rounded Maddie’s dad’s bed and bent to hug her where she sat in the chair. “I have something to ask the two of you.” She glanced between Maddie and her dad. “A favor.”

“I’m hardly in any position to grant favors,” Maddie’s dad said, “but you’re certainly welcome to ask.”

“Well,” Rachael said, leaning against the windowsill, “we’ve had some staffing changes at the hotel. Merrick and I both need some help. I was wondering if the two of you would be willing to come stay at the hotel for a while? Maddie, your dad could relax and recuperate and maybe you could help me organize the fiftieth anniversary party I booked?” She groaned. “And I need help talking Beck out of playing the cello for the couple’s big dance.”

It was perfect. MJ smiled like he might burst. “Thank
you,” she mouthed to him, standing on the other side of her dad’s bed.

“It sounds like a grand offer,” Mr. Simcoe said. “I’m not sure how much help I’d be to your Merrick though.”

Rachael sat on the side of his bed. “You know what he needs more than anything? A man with a level head to guide him, to keep him from being impulsive and doing stupid things.” She laughed. “I think you’re just the one for that role.”

Maddie’s dad took her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about him over the years. I’m ashamed I never gave him the chance to prove himself. Now I know the kind of man Enzo Rocha really is. I’d be honored to help in any way I’m able.”

“Fantastic,” Rachael said, squeezing Maddie’s dad’s hand with both of hers. “We’ll get you settled in when we spring you out of here.”

MJ shook her dad’s hand. “I’m relieved to see you doing so well. I’ll have you out fishing at Turtle Tear before you know it. I remember a score I have to settle.”

“I haven’t been fishing in years, but I’m the one who taught you, so don’t you go thinking you can land more fish than me.”

“As long as I don’t have to clean them,” Rachael said, sticking out her tongue. “I’ll help eat them though.”

MJ bent his finger, summoning Maddie to him. “I have something to tell you.”

Maddie gave her dad a hesitant glance. He grasped her shirt sleeve and tugged. “Get out of here with your young man. Go do something fun. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Merrick wants to come up and say hello when they’re done reopening and stitching the wound on his knee,” Rachael said, and shivered at the thought.

“See, Peach, I’ve got company coming. Beat it.”

“Okay, okay!” Maddie got up and followed MJ to the elevators. “Are you sure Rachael’s okay with this and you didn’t twist her arm?”

He pushed the button for the lobby. “Are you kidding? She jumped at the chance to have you stay and bring your dad.”

The doors closed and he pulled her against him. She could tell he had something to tell her that he couldn’t hold in any longer. “What?” she asked.

“You know Archibald’s family home, the Weston Sugar Plantation?”

She prodded his dimples with her fingers and smiled as he grinned. “Yes.”

“Mads, I own it. Merrick bought it for me as my first project.”

Maddie couldn’t believe what he was telling her. “What?”

“Yeah. It’s in bad shape, but he’s having Joan help me renovate it, and he’s going to teach me everything he knows about running the business.”

She squeezed him as hard as she could. “I’m so happy for you. So proud.” She looked into his eyes, and blinked back tears. “You have your dad, MJ. You’re out from under Enzo’s thumb.”

He kissed her. “So are you. You’ll be safe at Turtle Tear.”

Maddie’s thoughts went to Nadia. She’d been on the island and nobody knew. Anyone else could do the same. But, MJ had given her and her father a place to stay with friends. They wouldn’t be alone. “It’s going to work out, isn’t it?” she asked.

“It already has.” He picked her up and pressed his lips against hers, spinning her in a circle. The elevator jolted under them, coming to a stop.

Maddie laughed.

“What?” MJ asked.

“I like it when the ground moves under my feet when you’re kissing me.”

He spun her around again. “Baby, I promise to always make your world shake.”

I
can’t believe we’re here,” Rachael said, holding a map of the 150,000 acres that MJ now owned along with the plantation house and several outbuildings.

Maddie pulled at the strap of the hardhat on her head. It was tight and uncomfortable, but MJ threatened to punish her if she took it off. She wasn’t sure what he had in mind, but she was tempted to toss the hardhat to the floor to find out.

He stood with Merrick and Joan at a drafting table, pouring over blueprints. He hadn’t told her what he was going to do with the property, but she knew he was making it into a business like Rachael and Merrick had done with Turtle Tear. MJ told her it was a surprise and he wasn’t ready to tell her just yet.

It was Maddie’s second visit to the plantation, but her father and Rachael’s first. MJ and Merrick had lugged a big steamer trunk down out of the attic. Along with some dead bugs, there were photographs, diaries, a few ornate silver pieces, and enough history on Ingrid and Archibald’s family to keep Rachael entranced for days.

“Lookie here,” Maddie’s dad said, shuffling over to them with an old newspaper. “This is from 1974. Read this
article.” He tapped the side panel of the paper, handing it over to Maddie.