Page 58 of Betrayal In Calusa Cove
“Oh, my full name.” He smiled. “I must be getting lucky?—”
A soft knock broke the moment. Keaton poked his head in. “Sorry, but you guys might want to come next door. Decker’s awake.”
“I’d like to talk to him.” Fletcher hopped off the bed, snagged his shirt, and took her hand.
She followed him and Keaton to Room 214, where Decker Brown lay in a hospital bed, propped up by pillows, an IV line taped to the back of his hand. His skin was clammy and pale, his usual bravado dulled by whatever cocktail the doctors had pumped into him.
“The doctors are still flushing his system, and he’s on some good drugs since he’s been in a bit of pain.” Keaton leaned against the far wall, his arms folded tight, like he didn’t quite trust the stillness.
Decker cracked one eye open and sucked in a shaky breath before letting it out with a swish and wheeze. “Keaton tells me you had some excitement, too.” He lifted a crooked finger.
“You look like shit,” Fletcher said.
Decker managed a grin. “Thanks. I’d say you do, too, but you manage to make getting shot look sexy.”
“Don’t say things like that to him. It’ll go right to his head.” Baily stepped to the foot of the bed. “They said poison?”
“That’s what the docs are telling me.” Decker reached for the water on the tray.
Keaton raced to his side, giving him a hand. “Emily’s running off-the-record labs. But his throat closed up fast. Skin flushed. No signs of obstruction. Classic signs of something synthetic. Fast-acting.”
“I was mid-bite,” Decker said, voice hoarse. “One minute, I’m arguing with Keaton about who pays for dinner to keep up appearances. Next thing I know, I’m gasping for air like someone shoved a pillow down my throat.”
Fletcher’s jaw tightened. “This isn’t simple escalation. Dawson and I believe they’re gonna try to blindside us with a new developer at the meeting.”
“That thought has crossed my mind since I’ve been lying here,” Decker said, eyes sharpening despite the medication. “They know I’ve been stalling. Feeding them crumbs. They think I’m a loose end. But I don’t get why they tried to kill you.”
“I’ve been thinking about that.” Fletcher shifted his gaze, catching Baily’s. “It’s all about creating an environment of fear. But also, if they take me out, in their minds, they’re removing everything Baily has that matters outside of the marina, making it easier for her to walk away.”
“They don’t know me very well.” She folded her arms across her chest. “All that would make me do is dig my heels in deeper. This is my home. It’s all I’ve ever known, and it’s all I’ve ever wanted. If they thought hurting the people I love was one way to get me to cave, well, they’re fools.”
“Don’t mistake their miscalculation of who you are as being foolish.” Decker lowered his chin. “Their plans are always layered. This has been years in the making. The Barbaros use people. Hell, they use their own. I’m sure Julie had no say in any aspect of her life.”
“Are you suggesting she went after Ken?” Keaton asked.
“Oh, I am.” Decker nodded. “Just like Tessa came after me. And I’m sure Damon and Valenia had all sorts of information on Ken to make sure that Julie knew just what to say and how to act to get his attention. I doubt he knew what hit him until it was too late.”
Baily’s chest tightened. “That’s so cold and calculating.”
“That’s the kind of people they are,” Decker whispered. “But I’m not playing their game. I’m all in. I want to take down every last one of those bastards. They used me. I’m sure they used Ken. And they need to be stopped.”
Baily’s heart pulsed in her throat. “And what if they bring in another sniper? Or a different kind of killer to Calusa Cove”
Decker scoffed. “Let ’em. They missed their shot. I’m still here. And I’ve got names. Records. I took a risk and reached out to my cousin back in Miami. He sent me a list of businesses linked to their laundering operation. You gave me a seat at the table, now I’m gonna help you blow this whole thing wide open.”
“Dawson has that list.” Keaton nodded grimly. “Chloe called Buddy. She did it quietly. He’s sending an old friend of his. Someone we know. Someone who works for the Aegis Network to stand guard. But we’ve got to work out a plan and move fast because I wouldn’t be surprised if the Barbaros are closing in.”
Fletcher looked to Baily. She knew that look. It was the look that told her he couldn’t sit still. “I told Dawson I wanted to be part of the interrogation of the sniper,” he said softly. “It was me the man tried to take out.”
Baily hissed, clenching her fists at her side. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”
“Nothing like rubbing his face in the fact he failed at his mission.” Fletcher inched closer, resting his hand on the small of her back. “I need to hear what this guy has to say.”
“Hondo’s got a few days off, and he’s keeping a watchful eye at the B&B,” Keaton said. “I’m going to stay here with Decker until the guy from the Aegis network gets here, so why don’t you drop her off at the B&B, and she can hang with Audra?”
“I wouldn’t mind spending time with her.” Baily nodded.
Fletcher pulled her close again, pressing a kiss to her temple. “All right, let’s head out.” He turned, resting a hand on Decker’s wrist. “Call me if you need anything. And you can come stay at my place to recover when they release you.”
