Page 64 of Sail Away
She arched a brow. “As a drug runner on the open seas?”
“Not even remotely funny.” He tapped her nose.
“It still seems so batshit crazy to me that Preston would put so much time and energy into this wild, elaborate scheme. He could have fucked you over a variety of ways.”
“But he wouldn’t have had the satisfaction of hurting me through you, and we don’t know what kind of fucked-up game he’s playing with Jim. Are they are friends, or does Preston have something on Jim and is blackmailing him as well?”
“Jim has always been motivated by money.” She touched her ear. “I need to get out there.”
“I don’t like this last-minute change in dinner plans.”
“I don’t either,” Darcie said. “Right now, just about everyone is off the yacht and it makes me feel even more vulnerable when it comes to whatever Preston has planned.”
“Promise me you’re going to be careful.”
“I promise, but you have to do the same, and you’re not leaving this vessel without your watch and phone. I need to be able to track you, especially if my brother doesn’t have anyone here yet.”
“It’s going to be fine.” He cupped her face and kissed her sweet lips. “I’ll apologize now for being a jerk.”
“Wonderful.” She turned and peeked her head out into the hallway. “All clear.” She tiptoed around the corner and headed up the staircase.
He waited five minutes before he gathered his watered-down whiskey and opened the door. He sloshed his drink down the front of his salmon-colored shirt. “Fuck. Preston, you scared the shit out of me,” he said with his best slow Southern drawl. The one that always came out when he’d had one too many.
“I’ve got a surprise for you.” Preston smacked him on the shoulder. “I’m really surprised how quickly you’ve come over to my way of thinking.”
“I wouldn’t say I’ve done that.” Reid stepped out to the back deck by the hot tub and glanced around. Not a single member of the team milled about. No country music echoed from the speakers. The only sounds came from a single engine idling in the water below.
Reid’s pulse increased. Perspiration dotted his hairline.
“Not even close. As a matter of fact, all I’ve done is gotten half-drunk while I tried to figure out how on earth I ended up in this hellhole with you.”
“That’s not really the attitude that’s going to get you out of this mess.” Preston waved his hand out in front of the steps that led to the lower deck.
“Nothing can help me at this point.”
“You know. You’re probably right.” Preston reached behind his back and pulled out a handgun.
“What the fuck, Preston?” Reid raised his hands and stumbled down the stairs. “Jesus. Put that fucking thing down.”
“No can do.” Preston waved it in Reid’s face.
Reid swallowed.
Hard.
He’d been around rifles his entire life. As a Texan, it was his birthright, but he didn’t like a gun pointed at his face.
Not that he’d ever had that experience before.
He glanced over his shoulder as he inched closer to the water’s edge. Falling in might not be a bad idea.
Out of the corner of his eye, the tender came into view. Jim stood behind the center console, both hands gripping the steering wheel. Darcie sat next to him with her hands bound behind her back and tape covering her mouth.
Reid’s breath hitched.
“What’s going on, Preston?”
“A little change in plans.”
