The Black Feather (23 page)

He peered closely at her.

“I bet you’re probably still shook up from that guy you mentioned. I’m done with my shift. I can take you wherever you need to go. I just have to check out.”

“Thank you. That’s very nice of you, but I . . .”

They both turned when a man came to the doorway. “Are you by any chance Suzanne Conway? Because if you are, there’s some guy on the phone saying you need to stay here and he’ll come for you.”

David! Her heart skipped a couple beats. “Please tell him you never saw me.”

The driver nodded to the other man.

“Yeah. Some creep is chasing her.” He turned back to Suzanne. “Let me go inside and get my things and then I’ll take you wherever you want to go. Maybe the police?”

Suzanne thanked him and watched as the two men hustled back into the building. She didn’t waste any time running to the van and climbing into the driver’s seat. The keys dangled in the ignition like a lifeline. She started the engine and drove away heading for the closest pier where she could get the Catalina Express. She didn’t know the exact schedule, but with twenty-five daily departures there had to be one to suit her needs.

But none of that would matter if she couldn’t come up with her fare. She didn’t have her wallet and the only thing in her pockets was some lint. She looked down and saw the driver’s wallet lying on the front seat and hoped there would be enough cash to take care of her money problem. She hated to take advantage of the man, especially since he’d been so sweet to her. She’d have to add hijacking a person’s vehicle and taking their money without permission to her sins. Suzanne hoped she would be forgiven.

She parked on a side street and jogged to the area where she could wait until it was time to board.

She sat gnawing her thumbnail while her eyes never stopped inspecting the surroundings watching for any sign of trouble. She kept her back to a wall and made sure she positioned herself near an exit should she have to make a run for it.

Thad had taught her that.

She couldn’t call his agency, not only because she didn’t know the phone number, but no thanks to his secretiveness, she didn’t even know the name of the place. Once again, she wished that Thad could be here with her. Not only because she missed him, but also because she felt nervous to be going for the phones on her own. She could even be too late.

David may have already called someone to go to Nanadoo’s. But now that she thought about it, those phones were his personal top priority. He’d want to go to the island himself. She prayed her father wouldn’t tell him where the horse was hidden because not telling would be the only thing keeping her dad alive.

She hadn’t asked for this Machiavellian life, but because she’d been thrust into this world of deceit Suzanne knew she had to stay one step ahead of David and everyone else who wanted the phones for their own ill use. Hopefully one step would be enough.

If not . . . no one could say she hadn’t tried.

Twenty-three

Suzanne stood on the ferry, a lone shape hiding in the shadows, surrounded by the sea. She stared into the soft gray distance, body tense, keeping her senses alert trying to prepare herself for whatever may come. She lingered there for several minutes until she decided to use the facilities. Luckily, the restroom was empty.

She splashed cold water on her face and stared in the mirror, wondering at the stranger who stared back. She felt numb. Suzanne had a feeling she could dive into icy water and not be cold. Or walk through fire and not feel the heat of the flames. But she did feel fear when she wanted to be brave and despair when she needed hope. She didn’t want to die, but she could be giving death a helping hand by going to Nanadoo’s unprotected.

If only she could call the clinic and tell someone about the viper in their midst. But if David did have others helping him her phone call could warn him that she knew of his duplicity. Suzanne closed her eyes remembering his vow to kill her dad. All it would take was for Muriel to ask the doctor’s permission to invite David into the room and then leave thinking he would guard her father.

Suzanne opened her eyes. She was so tired. She felt as though she didn’t have any defenses left. All she wanted to do was sleep, but she had to keep fighting to save her father and get his precious phones to the police. Cowering in this restroom wasn’t going to do anyone any good. She yanked open the door, stepped into the hallway, and ran into a wall of hard muscle.

“This smacks of déjà vu, don’t you think,” a masculine voice rumbled close to her ear.

“You!” she gasped letting out a soft shriek at the sight of Thad standing there.

Suzanne struggled to sort out all the conflicting emotions crashing through her. She couldn’t forget how Thad had turned his back on her despite bringing her to her knees, begging. Humiliation was somehow so much worse coming from someone you had just bared your soul to. Pride, that pathetic shield for self-preservation made her chin tilt up.

“What are you doing here?”

“You mean, rather than tripping little old ladies, as they cross the street? I wanted to see you.”

“That’s not the impression I got at our last meeting.”

His throat moved as he swallowed.

“Turns out I was wrong.”

“Really? You stomped all over my feelings and now you expect me to welcome you back with open arms.”

She shook her head.

“A kiss or two would also be nice.”

She started to walk away, but Thad stepped in front of her.

“Go away. I don’t want you here.”

“You may not want me, but you need me,” he said gently.

“Since when has that made a difference? You knew what you were doing before, but you still left. I can’t deal with you ripping holes in me.”

“That should give you some idea how I felt every time you ran off on your own.”

“I didn’t do it to deliberately hurt you. I went because I had good intentions of trying to be helpful.”

“Which wasn’t much comfort to me when I didn’t know whether or not I’d ever see you alive again.”

“Well, we wouldn’t want to have a blotch on your record if I did turn up dead, would we?”

Suzanne heard him suck in his breath. She wanted to hurt him because he’d wounded her. But she regretted her words as soon as she saw the haunted look in his eyes. This was a contest neither of them could win as long as she thought she had to keep score. Her resistance began to fall away making her burst into tears. Her crying galvanized Thad into action. He pulled her to him engulfing her in a fierce embrace. Suzanne stiffened for a few seconds before allowing herself to lean on him.

“Don’t cry. Please. I made you cry before and I never want to do it again.”

“I’m tired and . . . and I’m scared,” she stuttered between sobs. “I feel like I’ve been running through a labyrinth without a compass, a map, or any signs to show me the right way to go.”

“I know, sweetheart, I know. But it’s going to be okay now. I’m here. I’ll be your compass.”

Suzanne moved back.

“I hate all this crying I seem to be doing lately. It makes me feel like a wuss.”

She hiccupped and wiped the heels of her hands down her cheeks.

“I thought you’d be David.”

“I don’t blame you for preferring him after the way I treated you. I said regrettable things that I can’t take back. But I’m hoping you’ll forgive me. David asked to come, but I told him you were my responsibility.”

“Is that all I am to you, a responsibility?” she asked, momentarily distracted from David’s treachery.

“I didn’t mean that how it sounded. You were right when you thought you were more than just another case to me. I tried to tell myself otherwise, but it didn’t work. I want to be with you and not just because it’s my job. That’s why I’m here. David’s at the clinic keeping an eye on your dad and Muriel.”

“No! You’ve left the wolf to guard the sheep,” she cried, digging her fingers hard into his arm.

“Ease up a bit, honey. I think you’re about to draw blood. Now what is this about a wolf?”

Suzanne immediately removed her hand and ran it through her hair in a short, jerky motion.

“I’m talking about David. He’s working for the Montanes.”

“What!”

The word erupted out of Thad like a mini explosion.

“Who told you such a thing?”

“I overheard him talking to one of them on his phone back at the clinic. That’s why I left without telling anyone. I’m sure David doesn’t know that I’m onto him. I can only hope my father didn’t let him know he put my stuffed Pegasus in the colonel’s golf cart. The phones are in the toy. That’s why I have to get to Nanadoo’s as soon as possible. But I’m so afraid for my dad.”

Thad held her by the arms when she began to shake.

“You need to sit down.”

“Wait. I haven’t finished. The Montanes want David to kill my father, and he agreed to do it.”

“God!” Thad led her to a chair before whipping the phone out of his pocket.

Suzanne listened while he called the clinic and his agency. She sat on the edge of the chair watching him until he ended the call.

“Are my dad and Muriel okay? Did he tell David where the phones are?”

“Your dad and Muriel are safe and he didn’t tell David about the phones.”

“Thank goodness. What are the security people going to do about keeping David away from Dad?”

“They won’t have to. He left the clinic right after I did and your mother went with him.”

Suzanne raised her brows.

“She did? I thought they were on the outs when I left. He must have done or said something to make her like him again. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t know about David’s involvement with the Montanes.”

“It’s better that she doesn’t. I don’t think he’ll hurt her as long as he thinks she’s in the dark.”

“What if he wanted her with him in case he needed her as a hostage?”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. The one good thing we can focus on is that he’s away from the clinic. But your dad and Muriel are being secretly moved to another room as an extra precaution.”

“You know David will be after the phones and he’s going to get to the island way before we do. A helicopter is a lot faster than a laundry van.”

Thad nodded.

“I had a feeling that’s how you got away.”

“Could you call the company and tell them where I parked it?” Suzanne named the street. “Also, that I put the keys in the glove compartment along with the driver’s wallet. I put an IOU in there to let him know I would pay him back.”

“Pay him back for what, stealing his van?” Thad joked.

“I merely borrowed it along with money for the ferry.”

“Your ingenuity never ceases to amaze me. I’ll take care of it and leave him a generous tip.”

“Thanks. He was nice. I wished I had you taking care of things, despite what I said earlier.”

“I hope that’s not the only reason you missed me,” he said, sounding endearingly unsure of himself.

“I’d be showing you how much I missed you if we had a room.”

Thad hauled her into his arms and kissed her. “We’ve got to do something about that soon, but . . .”

“But the phones come first. I know. I called Dewey, but he didn’t answer and I didn’t try again. I decided I didn’t want him getting hurt because of me. I think the Montanes already did something terrible to him or someone he knows.”

Thad gave her a grim look.

“I don’t know why, but they tortured and killed his brother.”

Suzanne paled.

“Those monsters! Dad said his phones would help Dewey. He must have some evidence connecting them to that death. But I wasn’t even sure if Dewey would have helped me.”

“It’s difficult to know who you can trust in a situation like this.”

“I keep finding that out much to my cost,” she said and shivered.

“You’re cold.” Thad took off his jacket and put it over her shoulders. “I’ll get us some coffee.”

She pulled the coat more fully around her absorbing the warmth and inhaling the lingering scent of his body. Her eyes lit up when he came back carrying coffee and a couple of donuts.

“Not a very nutritious meal, but the sugar will give you some energy.”

Suzanne took the coffee and donut from him. A little moan of pleasure slipped through her lips after the first bite.

“This really hits the spot. I didn’t think I’d be able to eat the way my stomach’s been bouncing around.”

“I can imagine. You’ve been through a lot the last few hours, not to mention your stress from before.”

She grimaced.

“I’m storing memories I’d rather not have. Is that what you meant about the déjà vu?”

“No. This ferry reminded me of how we first met aboard a sailing vessel.”

“I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but I’d like to be able to finish that cruise some day.”

“So would I, especially if we can go together.”

“I’d like that even better.”

They finished their impromptu meal in silence. Thad handed her an extra napkin.

“I’m curious about something.”

Suzanne wiped the paper napkin over her mouth. “What?”

“Were you ever going to tell me about the black feathers? Muriel found one in your purse. Your dad said you told them there were others.”

She winced.

“I got the first one aboard ship. I thought it was some kind of stunt. But I had a bad feeling when I found the second one in my bedroom.”

“You had one in your house?” Thad’s lips tightened. “Damn it, Suzanne. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to worry you. I really didn’t understand what they were all about until I asked my dad. I found the third one at Nanadoo’s when I went with David and my mom to look for the phones. I bet he put it there to scare me into finding my Pegasus now that I know what he’s up to.”

“You’re killing me here. I promised your godmother I’d look after you, but you don’t make it easy.”

Surprise flickered in her eyes.

“Nanadoo? When did you talk to her?”

“Don’t be nosy.”

“Oh, I get it now. You came back because she asked you to.”

“I came back because I couldn’t stay away,” he corrected. “I also promised myself I’d take care of you, and this time I intend to no matter what I have to do. But you’ve got to tell me everything even if you think it’s nothing important. Okay?”

“Yes. I’ve discovered I’m not very good at chasing after criminals on my own. I’m too chicken.”

“Like hell. You’re one of the bravest women I know.”

“Thank you for not saying I’m also one of the most foolish and reckless you’ve ever met.”

“We’ll call it error in judgment and let it go at that.”

Thad took their paper cups and napkins to the trash. He stood back for a moment studying Suzanne. She didn’t have to tell him she was tired. One look at the gray shadows darkening the delicate skin beneath her eyes and the slump of her shoulders told him her body was about ready to give out.

He knew he loved her. He just hadn’t realized how deep that love went until he’d been away from her. Thad had a feeling he wouldn’t have been able to hold out much longer before he went crawling back to Suzanne. Her godmother had merely jumpstarted his return.

He’d made it a point over the years not to need anyone. He’d had other women in his life, but only for periods of brief companionship and physical release. Suzanne made him feel a vulnerability he wouldn’t have thought possible. It overwhelmed, even unnerved him. But a great deal of pleasure was also mixed up in all these unfamiliar emotions.

Thad walked back and settled himself on a seat next to Suzanne. He tugged her gently over to him, so her head could rest on his shoulder while he gently stroked her hair.