Page 9 of The Situation Ship
He peered over Levi’s shoulder at Mina. She wore a black shirt with the club’s name on the breast pocket and a nametag that readBar Manager.
“What has you darkening my door? My little birds tell me that you’ve been benched. I thought you’d be sipping cocktails on some beach,” Eckells said.
“So sorry– I didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation, but I have some business to discuss with Mr Eckells,” Isaiah said to Mina.
“No need to apologise. You’re always welcome here. The doorman should’ve informed me when you arrived,” Levi said sternly.
Last year, Isaiah had overheard a cop bragging about blackmailing Levi’s younger sister with explicit photos to make her spy on her brother. Isaiah had made sure the cop ended up behind bars. Although the captain had backed him up, the rest of the station had been cold towards him ever since, accusing him of siding with a criminal. Still, it was nice to always have Levi’s good will.
“My visit is rather impromptu – otherwise I would have called ahead,” Isaiah said, noting that Levi didn’t introduce Mina.
“The Great Detective Rivers taking time off? I’d have thought Hell would freeze over first. Since you have some time off, how about a handsomely paid bodyguard gig aboard the most luxurious cruise in the world?” Levi asked, sinking back in his chair. His smile highlighted the scar on the corner of his chin.
“Isn’t he a cop?” Mina whispered to her boss, who appeared amused by the fear in her voice.
“Detective,” Isaiah corrected, but Mina didn’t seem relieved. She probably recognised him because the staff had pictures of all the local police officers to memorise. Levi ensured police officersreceived special attention and never paid for their drinks. He called it service, but Isaiah thought of it as babysitting.
“Mina, don’t be so rude to our guest. He’s a friend, so I overlook his profession. It does come in rather handy, now and then,” Levi said with a wink, taking a cigar from a varnished box on his desk. “You wanted me to find you a bodyguard, and there’s no one I trust more. Rivers is above board and will stop you from getting into trouble or, worse, causing any. I don’t want my other guests disturbed. They pay for discretion and peace.”
“What’s the job?” Isaiah asked. This was perfect. He didn’t even need to ask for a way to get on board.
“TheMidasis sailing next week, and Mina is accompanying a VIP. My guest is looking for some security while on board.” Levi chopped off the end of the cigar but didn’t light it.
“Who’s the guest?” Isaiah inquired.
“Poppy Roe,” Mina said.
Isaiah let out a chuckle of disbelief. This was too good to be true.
“You’re a fan?” Mina frowned suspiciously.
“I’m aware of some of the things she’s done.”
“I didn’t expect pop to be your genre of choice,” Levi commented, swivelling in his chair.
“I just go where the leads take me.”
“All my guests can have one personal bodyguard, though it’s only precautionary. I have the best security team on board, but some guests are twitchy. All your expenses will be covered, and looking after the princess of pop shouldn’t be too much trouble.” Levi was clearly unaware that the five-foot bombshell was a serial killer, or at least closely linked to one.
“I’m sure he doesn’t want to spend his holidays helping us,” Mina argued. “Surely someone from your security team could fill in. I’ve already asked around—”
Isaiah didn’t need to be a detective to know she didn’t want to get the law involved in whatever Ms Roe was planning.
“Very proactive of you, but sparing you is enough of a sacrifice, and Isaiah can be trusted. I’m sure he’ll be able to assist Ms Roe with whatever she needs,” Levi reassured her.
Given the way he looked at her, and how she was able to speak so freely without repercussions, Isaiah wondered if something was going on between them. Levi was roughly his age, in his late thirties, but he’d never settled down.
“Doesn’t Ms Roe have her own team security she can bring?” Isaiah glanced at Mina, who suddenly found the carpet fascinating.
“Ms Roe is reorganising her staff, and she just needs someone short-term,” she informed him.
Hmm.“Since I’ve nothing better to do, count me in. Sounds like easy money.”
“Bring my woman back in one piece, or we’ll have issues,” Levi said.
Mina rolled her eyes.She looked closer to Poppy’s age, maybe a year or two older. Despite the age gap, it was obvious Levi trusted and respected her to run his bar.
“I’m not your anything but bar manager,” she snapped.
