Page 8 of The Situation Ship
Formula 1 with a few beers last night had felt like the perfect way to unwind after scrolling through Poppy Roe’s social media accounts to make a timeline of her movements over the last few weeks, leading him to Heaven’s Heart. Her latest post featured a bright pink suitcase and a caption that mentioned setting sail on the world’s most exclusive cruise ship, theMidas. He would have to find another way onto that ship if he couldn’t get into this VIP area. He needed to call in a favour from the owner.
“Mr Eckells doesn’t see anyone while the club is open. I suggest you turn around and grab a drink at the bar,” the bouncer instructed.
Isaiah took his badge out of his pocket andshowed it just as a second, shorter bouncer joined them.
“That’s not going to help you here,” the first guy said. “Get going before the wrong person sees that pretty badge.”
“Take it, show it to your boss, and if he wants me to leave, I’ll happily walk away,” Isaiah said, handing it over.
The shorter bouncer whispered something to his friend that Isaiah couldn’t make out over the music.
“I’ll be back. Make sure Mr Rivers doesn’t go anywhere,” the first guy said, taking his badge and heading down a dark hallway.
“You’ve a lot of nerve flashing that badge,” the short bouncer said. “The boss isn’t a fan of the cops. You should’ve left when we asked nicely.”
“We’ll see,” Isaiah said with a smug smile.
His companion returned and lifted the rope for Isaiah to pass through.
“Mr. Eckells is in a meeting. Wait outside his office until you’re called,” he said, clenching his jaw as if his words tasted sour.
Isaiah took a few steps, then turned back. “I think you forgot something,” he said, holding his hand out.
The bouncer reluctantly handed him back his badge.
“Who the fuck was that?” he heard the shorter man ask behind him.
“He saved the boss’s younger sister, so he gets a free pass.”
“Shit, that guy? Was the boss pissed we didn’t let him through? Should we apologise?”
“Shut it. I’m not apologizing to a cop,” the taller bouncer said, clearly annoyed at being shown up.
Isaiah smiled, wishing he had witnessed Eckells scolding the bouncer. They must be new. Usually the bouncers at the back door knew to let him through.
Reaching Eckells’ office, he frowned when he saw the door ajar. Eckells had a strict closed-door policy. The bouncer must have rushed out. Isaiah shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but he figured it wasn’t his fault if he overheard anything while he waited.
“I only need two weeks off to accompany her on theMidas,” a woman was saying. “Technically, I’d still be working for you – it’s your ship. Don’t you want to have eyes onboard to ensure everything runs smoothly? You could even say I’m killing two birds with one stone.”
Isaiah heard a chair creak.
“I warned you not to get involved with our clients. I’ll hide the recording, which you never should have taken, because I don’t want it used against you. Do you know what some of ourclients would do if they knew you might film them? I think I value your life more than you do, with such behaviour.”
“I don’t record clients. This was the first and only time. I can’t just leave her to fend for herself, and it’s not like you’ve never taken justice into your own hands. All I’m asking for is some time to help her, and if anything goes wrong, then that recording is all you need to know who’s behind it.”
“Mina, I understand that you have a big heart and want to help, but you don’t want to get involved in a murder plot, no matter how justified. Neither do I, especially not aboard my ship,” Levi Eckells replied shortly.
“We aren’t going to murder anyone. Poppy just needs a bodyguard to make sure that if anyone wants to hurt her, they can’t. I’m just an extra set of hands.”
A murder plot?Isaiah’s frown deepened.What’s Levi wrapped up in now?Isaiah had known Levi since his rookie year, when the man was just a bouncer working for a rough crowd. Over the years, they had developed what could be considered a friendship. Levi had three rules in his line of work: he didn’t get involved with drugs, women, or children. Instead, he spent most of his time dealing with those who did.
Isaiah stepped into the office, a dimly lit space with a large desk at the centre cluttered with papers and a few empty glasses. The room smelled faintly of cigar smoke, a testament to Levi’s occasional indulgence.
“Not planning on murdering any of your rivals, are you?” Isaiah quipped.
“Speak of the devil. This is the man you need.” Levi slapped the desk, getting up to greet his friend. “What’s this about murder? You know me; I wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“Not with your own hands,” Isaiah agreed dryly.
