Fatal Tide (7 page)

“No, but it is.” She went through the house and out the front door. Relief surged through her. “It’s Cal and Nicholas Lyons. That’s right, I forgot they were coming this morning.”

“You obviously had a few other things on your mind.” He stood beside her on the pier watching Cal lower the net. “And they are a little early. They must have left before dawn.”

She stiffened. “Why would they do that?”

“I’ve no idea.” His gaze narrowed on the boat. “But they’re no threat to you, Melis. I don’t know about Cal Dugan, but Nicholas is straight. I’ve banked my life on that any number of times.”

“I’ve known Cal for years. I’m not worried that he might— But everything’s different now. I don’t know what’s going to happen next.”

Cal was waving at her as he replaced the net.

She waved back and began to relax. She was being overanxious. Cal appeared completely casual and at ease.

“Okay?” Kelby asked. “Pete and Susie are swimming back. Everything should be all right with your immediate world. How about going inside and letting me scramble some eggs for the four of us?”

“I’ll do it. I need to keep busy.” She watched Cal and Nicholas near the pier. “Hungry?” she called. “You must have left Tobago too early for breakfast.”

“Yeah, I’m starved,” Cal growled as he drew alongside the pier. “I was going to take Lyons to that little seaside restaurant for breakfast, but he got a burr in his pants about getting here right away. I told him it was nothing.”

“What was nothing?” Kelby asked.

“This was left outside Cal’s door,” Lyons said as he reached down to lift the object at his feet. “It had Melis’s name on it.”

“It’s just an empty birdcage,” Cal said. “I could see how you’d worry if there was a dead bird or something. It’s kinda pretty. I’ve never seen one painted gold before.”

Kafas
.

She could feel the pier shifting beneath her feet. Don’t faint. Don’t be sick. That would make him happy. Power. Remember they love power.

“Melis?” Kelby said.

“It . . . was Archer. It had to be him.”

“What do you want me to do with it?”

“I don’t care. I don’t want to ever see it again. Do whatever you like with it.” She jerkily turned on her heel. “I’m going for a swim. You feed them, Kelby.”

“Sure. Don’t worry about it.”

How could she worry about anything when she couldn’t think of anything except that damn golden cage?

Kafas.

Nicholas gave a low whistle as he watched Melis disappear into the house. “Big trouble?”

Kelby nodded. “And the cage is only the tip of a very ugly iceberg.” He turned to Cal. “Take the damn thing and tear it to pieces. Make sure she never sees it again.”

Cal frowned, troubled. “I didn’t mean— I didn’t think it was anything to worry her.” He took the cage and headed up the pier. “It was . . . pretty.”

“I tried to tell him,” Nicholas said. “Pretty doesn’t always cut it. What’s the problem?”

“An arms dealer named Hugh Archer who probably killed Lontana and Carolyn Mulan and her secretary. He was here last night outside the net doing a little harassing.”

Nicholas’s gaze shifted to the net. “Then he probably has a watch on the island. Want me to take a boat and scout around and see what I can see?”

“That’s exactly what I want you to do.”

“I thought you would. May I have breakfast first?”

“I suppose. Melis gave me orders to feed you.”

“Orders? Really?” Nicholas grinned. “I think I may like this island.”

Chapter Seven

Archer’s call came at nine that night.

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, Melis. It must have been very distressing for you. But I did want to make sure that you had the full impact. Did you like the birdcage? It took me quite a long time to spray-paint it. I’m such a perfectionist.”

“It was sadistic and stupid. And I wasn’t at all distressed by your cat-and-mouse game.”

“You’re lying. You hate waiting. It brings back too many memories. You said that yourself. I believe it was on tape three.”

“I got over it. I got over a lot of the traumas you’re salivating over.”

“Actually, you’re right. I did find the tapes titillating. I adore little girls. But I believe I’d find you equally exciting now. I’m going to be very disappointed if you give me those research papers too soon.”

“I’m not giving you anything.”

“That’s what your friend Carolyn said. Do you want to end up like her?”

“You son of a bitch.”

“No, it wouldn’t be like her. I have to fit the punishment to the person. As I said, I’m a perfectionist. I believe you’re missing Istanbul. I think I should endeavor to find a place for you. I’ve never been to the one in Istanbul, but there are other
Kafas
in the world. Albania, Kuwait, Buenos Aires. I’ve been a patron of them all.”

“I bet you have.” She had to steady her voice. “It’s what I’d expect of you.”

“And I believe I enjoy your particular niche best of all.”

The cage. The golden fretwork. The pounding of the drums.

“You can’t speak right now? I can tell this is very difficult for you. Did you know that Dr. Mulan was very concerned about your prognosis? You’re too controlled. She was afraid that something would trigger you and you’d become unbalanced. You have such a pleasant life. I’d really hate to see that happen. An insane asylum is a cage too.”

“Are you threatening to send me over the edge?”

“Why, yes. In those sessions you were walking a fine line, you were in the depths of hell. I believe dredging up old memories might send you back there. Periodic calls that bring everything in the past to the present. You don’t need that kind of torture.” He chuckled. “Of course, I much prefer to inflict the real thing, but this will be very enjoyable.”

“Listen to me. I’m not going to let you send me around the bend. I’m not going to let you kill me.” She paused. “And
Kafas
is my past, not my future. Carolyn taught me the difference.”

“We’ll see,” Archer said. “I don’t think you’re as strong as you think you are. There were times when you were too frightened to sleep because you were afraid you’d dream. Did you sleep last night, Melis?”

“Like a rock.”

“That’s not the truth. And it’s going to get worse. Because I’ll be here to remind you of every detail. I’d say a week or so and you’ll be ready to crumble. You’ll beg me to take those tablets and research and leave you alone. And then I’ll sail to your side and relieve you of them. I do hope it won’t be too late for you.”

“Screw you.”

“By the way, does Kelby know about
Kafas
?”

“What do you know about Kelby?”

“That you’re holding Marinth out as a carrot and you shared adjoining rooms in Nassau. I imagine you’re giving him a very good time. I think I’d enjoy discussing
Kafas
with him.”

“Why?”

“From his rather flamboyant reputation I’d judge he’s a man of varied experience. I imagine he’d appreciate the same type of play I do. What do you think?”

“I think you’re a sick son of a bitch.” She hung up.

So much evil. She felt as if she’d touched something slimy. She felt dirty . . . and scared. Jesus, she was scared. The muscles of her stomach were tied in knots, and her chest was so tight she could scarcely breathe.

There are other
Kafas
in the world
.

Not for her. Never for her.

Forget what he’d said. He meant to frighten her. Terror gave him the power.

Christ, she couldn’t forget it. He wasn’t going to let her forget one minute of the memories she’d confided to Carolyn.

Deal with it. That’s what Carolyn would have said.

Her phone rang again. She wouldn’t answer it. Not now. Not until she was stronger.

The phone was still ringing when she half ran out of the bedroom and onto the lanai.

She stood by the French doors and breathed in the moist warm air. Ignore the phone. He couldn’t touch her as long as she was here on the island. She was safe.

She was lying to herself. She’d never be safe. Not as long as there were men like Archer in the world. There would always be risk and moments of terror like this. She would have to accept and deal with it as Carolyn had taught her. She would have to find strength within herself. It was the only—

“Are you going to go for another swim with your dolphins?”

She stiffened and turned to see Kelby walking toward her across the lanai.

“No.”

“What a surprise. It seems to be the number-one escape route.” His gaze went beyond her to the bedroom. “Your phone is ringing. Are you going to answer it?”

“No. It’s Archer. I’ve already talked to him.”

“Would you like me to answer it?” His lips tightened. “I assure you, I’d be delighted.”

“There’s no point.” She closed the French doors to muffle the ringing. “I’m the one he wants to hurt.”

“Well, he’s certainly accomplishing that. He’s putting you through the wringer.”

“I’ll get over it.” She crossed her arms tightly over her chest. She wished the ringing would stop. She should go in and turn down the volume. No, then she wouldn’t know when he’d given up. She’d imagine the phone ringing and ringing. . . .

“What does he think he’s going to get out of harassing you?”

“He wants to drive me crazy. He thinks I’ll give him the tablets if he can make me stressed enough,” she said jerkily. “He wants to keep gnawing at me until I bleed to death. Like Carolyn. She bled to death. But I’m not going to let him do it to me. I won’t be helpless again. That’s what he wants. That’s what they all want. I won’t go crazy and I won’t—”

“For God’s sake, shut up.” His arms closed around her. “And don’t stiffen up on me. I’m not going to hurt you. I just can’t stand to see you like this. It’s like watching someone being crucified.”

“I’m okay. He didn’t hurt me. I wouldn’t let him hurt me.”

“The hell he didn’t.” His hand reached up to cup the back of her head, and he rocked her back and forth. “Shh, it will be fine. You’re safe. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“Not your responsibility. I have to deal with it. Carolyn said I had to deal with it.”

“Deal with what?”

“Kafas.”

“What’s
Kafas
?”

“The cage. The golden cage. He knows about it. That’s why he sent me that birdcage. He knows everything about me. I feel as if his dirty fingers are on my soul. Though he’d rather have them on my body. He’s one of them. I can tell. I can always tell when they—”

“Melis, you’re not yourself. You’ll regret—”

“No! I’m not out of control. I’m fine.”

“Jesus, I didn’t mean you were going off your rocker.” He pushed her back and looked down at her. “You have a right to be upset. I only meant I wasn’t going to listen to anything you’d regret telling me later. I don’t want you feeling about me the way you do about that bastard Archer.”

“You’re not like him. I’d be able to tell. I couldn’t stand you touching me if you were like him. And why should I tell you anything? It’s none of your business.” She took a step back. “I’m sorry. You meant well. I was— I have to come to terms with it. It just came as a shock and sent me spiraling.”

“You’re still not in good shape.” He looked away from her. “Archer thinks he knows something about your past that could hurt you. Is it possible he could blackmail you?”

There was a note in his voice that surprised her. “What would you do if I said yes?”

“I might cancel the bargain and just go after Archer for free.” His smile was cold. “I don’t like blackmailers.”

She stared at him in surprise. “He can’t blackmail me. I got over worrying what the world thought of me a long time ago.”

“Too bad. I really wanted to break someone.” He met her gaze. “And don’t go telling me that’s the typical male reaction. I’m not in the mood.”

“I wasn’t going to say that. I’m all for you breaking Archer. If I don’t get him first.” She moistened her lips. “He knows about you. He believes we’re lovers. He may try to go through you to get to me. He seems to think that knowing about
Kafas
will bother you.”

“Since we’re not lovers, he’s out of luck, isn’t he?”

“Yes, and I don’t care what he thinks, what you think. I don’t care.”

“Then I wish to hell you’d stop shaking.”

“I will.” She started to turn away. “I’m sorry I upset you. I won’t bother—”

“For God’s sake, that’s not what I meant.”

“It’s my problem. I have to deal with it.” She drew a deep breath. “But there may be some good in that filth he’s throwing at me. If I can convince him he’s breaking me, we may be able to turn the tables on him.”

“And you want me to help you spring the trap?”

“Yes, it might be easier now. He’s going to want to talk to me.” She smiled without mirth. “He wants to be my new best friend. He’s licking his lips with anticipation.”

“For God’s sake, you’re not going to listen to that filth and let him hurt you again?”

“Oh, yes, as long as he thinks he has a chance of sending me over the edge, I’m the one who has the upper hand. But I can’t cave in too quickly or he’ll be suspicious. I have to wait until he thinks he’s won.”

“If you can stand it.” His gaze went to the French doors leading to her bedroom. “You don’t seem to be doing too well at the moment.”

“I have to get used to it. It’s . . . difficult.”

“Really? What a surprise.” His voice was rough. “It must be a little like being drawn and quartered. But I’m sure you’ll become perfectly accustomed to it. You’ll deal with it.”

“Yes, I will.” Her lips tightened. “But it doesn’t help to have you so angry and sarcastic.”

“It’s my only weapon at the moment,” he said harshly. “What the hell do you expect? I feel helpless as hell, and when I feel helpless I get mad.” He started to walk away and then glanced over his shoulder. “But do me a favor, dammit. Don’t take his call again tonight. That would be a little too much for me.”

She was silent a moment. “Okay, I won’t answer it. Who knows? It might make him all the more eager to talk to me tomorrow.”

He muttered a curse before disappearing into the house.

He was gone, but she still felt an explosive lingering tension that was like the acrid smell of lightning after it had struck. His response had been almost as draining for her as Archer’s call.

Was the phone still ringing?

She drew a deep breath and opened the French doors. The phone was silent, but it would start again. Archer still thought of her as a victim. He wanted to bring her down, use her, destroy everything she’d built from the ruins of her life. He’d use every weapon those records and tapes had given him.

She wouldn’t let him. She was strong enough to fight him and win. She would listen to his filth and let him think he was breaking her.

Then, when the time was right, she’d break him.

Lyons gave a low whistle as Kelby came into the living room. “You look like you’re a tad annoyed. Anything to do with Melis and the birdcage?”

“Everything to do with them.” He’d really handled the situation with kid gloves, Kelby thought in disgust. Just yell at the woman, vent all your frustration, and then walk away. “And that son of a bitch Archer. He’s trying to drive her to a breakdown. Sweet. Really sweet.”

“Can he do it?”

“No, she’s tough. But he can make her life hell, and she’s going to let him do it. She thinks she can lure him into a trap.”

“Not a bad idea.”

“It stinks. The whole thing stinks.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to find Marinth. Make myself a legend. And sail away into the sunset.” He pulled out his phone. “But first I have to have a ship. I’m calling the
Trina
and having the crew sail it to Las Palmas.”

“Is that where Marinth is?”

“How the hell do I know? She says it’s in that area. Of course, she could be lying. She doesn’t trust me worth a damn. Who could blame her? I have a hunch she’s not been able to trust many men.”

“Are you still going to need me?”

“You’re damn right. First, I’m going to call the
Trina,
then I’m going to call Wilson and find out what we know about Archer.” He dialed the
Trina
. “I’m going to clear the decks before I make my exit. And Archer is going to be the first one overboard.”

The sun was bright, the water was silky smooth against her body as she moved through the waves. Pete and Susie were ahead of her as usual, but they came back every little bit to make sure she was all right. She’d always wondered if they thought she was slightly handicapped. It must seem odd to them that she was so slow when their sleek bodies were so wonderfully equipped to tear through the water.

Time to go back. She could see Kelby standing on the edge of the lanai, watching them. He was wearing khakis, deck shoes, and a white pullover shirt, and he looked lean and powerful and vitally alert. It was the first time she’d seen him since last night, and she experienced a ripple of uneasiness. She hadn’t expected to feel this . . . connection with him. It was as if that moment of intimacy last night had woven a bond between them.

Crazy. That feeling was probably only on her side. Kelby appeared cool and even a little distant.

“You’re wearing a swimsuit.” He leaned over to take her hand and pull her onto the lanai. “What a disappointment. Cal said you frequently swim in the buff.”

“Not with guests around.” She took the towel he handed her and started to dry off. “And I seem to have more than my share these days.”

“I believe I had an invitation. Though you did have an ulterior motive.” He sat down in the lounge chair. “Have you talked to Archer?”