“So when did you change your mind about him?”
“When Sydney, his ex-wife, told me that she had lied a little.”
“Now you lost me completely.”
“I’m too worn out to talk about such a heavy-duty subject. Your cuts look awful. I’m worried about you.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, that’s exactly what Jimmy would have said. Okay, back to you, Sam. You were married and divorced and you don’t want a repeat.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Kids?”
“My only son died.”
“I’m sorry. Do you talk about it?”
“No.”
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
“Friends who are girls but no girlfriend.”
“I see.”
“What about you? How are you and Lane Rollins getting along?”
“He’s kind, thoughtful, caring, and a great companion.”
“Doesn’t sound good.” He grinned.
“You see there? That grin. You’re a know-it-all arrogant bastard.”
“So I’m right.”
“How do you get that out of what I said?”
“You say more than is in your words.”
“I don’t know your name and you’re asking about my love life?”
They spoke of other things, and Sam revealed more than he intended, but he thought he managed to receive more information than he gave. Still, he did reveal that he was in the information business, and he knew that she was a perceptive woman and that she had an idea about him, and that for her and for this little game, that was something of a score.
“It’s right through there.” Sam pointed to a patch of sky through a fir stand.
“When we get out of here, I have to figure a way to get Jason.”
“Have you considered just taking him?”
“I can’t. We had a falling-out and it’s public. So I don’t look good trying to take over. See, Jason had this fascination with France, even became a citizen. He hooked up with DuShane Chellis’s company, Grace, and when he started having problems-mental problems-they convinced him to make Roberto the guardian of his person and Grace Technologies the guardian of his estate. It’s all legal. I visit only with their consent.”
“Yeah, there are international treaties,” Sam said. “If the Canadians granted him resident status they’ll honor the French law and courts. And as a matter of national pride the French won’t want Americans taking over their brainchild.”
“I know. I looked into it.”
“You need some attorneys and a good investigator.”
“My immediate concern is just walking into Echo Bay without knowing if they’re there.”
“They’ll be there. And with a story, concerned about you, looking for you. They’ll try to work the law. They aren’t stupid. And they won’t run off into the bushes somewhere and let you control the media and the government. No way.”
“I hope what I’ve done hasn’t put Jason in a bad spot.”
“Nothing is going to happen overnight. Jason is in no immediate danger unless there is a whole lot we don’t know. He has to be critical to their program. You and I just play it cool. Relax. Don’t let them see any weakness or anxiety. You act normal. Pretend you’re about to shake hands with your ex-husband’s new fiancee.”
“I’d be deliriously giddy.”
“That’s good. Giddy. We’ve just been out for a great hike. A survival lesson. We’re on vacation. Or you’re researching a part in a film. Got it?”
“I can do it. I think.”
“They have to believe we aren’t going to do anything precipitous. We want them to think that maybe we’ll just blow it off if they buy me a new boat. Hell, maybe we think the yacht exploded.”
“You think they’ll believe that?”
“Maybe if we play it right they won’t know what to think. Remember, you’re Manhattan,” he said, walking ahead. “Do it with class.”
At first they were very careful not to show themselves while they scouted the small marina complex.
A blue-hulled aluminum catamaran Mountie boat with a lot of equipment was docked amid the pleasure craft.
“The cops are here,” she said.
“My money says Roberto brought them. Hardly wait to hear the story.”
“They’ve got brass balls.”
“Let’s go to Betty’s and feed ourselves.”
She grabbed his arm, careful not to touch the deep wounds.
“Wait, Sam. Listen, I need your help. I don’t mean just now, I mean to solve this whole mess.”
“I’m a sailor.”
“I know people. You’re no sailor. You’re the one who cracked Peter’s case. That’s my guess. Peter said there was a sort of private investigator, but never said who or anything.”
“That case was a long time ago.”
“You aren’t just going to leave me with this, are you?”
“Did I say that? I suggested a lawyer. I know investigators.”
“You haven’t said a damn thing. Not even your last name. But I feel we have some sort of connection here. And I don’t know what you do in this world other than sail, but it’s got to do with the spy or security business or something. And I know I need to… hire you.”
“I’m a bastard, remember?”
“Try for one second not to let it show. And cut your bullshit I’m an actor too.”
“There are lots of people-”
She grabbed his shirt and looked up at him, hard determination in her eyes.
“I have never felt so incapable. I’m partly to blame for my brother’s ruined life. Don’t make me beg.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
“Give me a commitment.” Anna seemed on the verge of tears. “Once we walk back into the world, you’re leaving. I can feel it. And you have not been leveling with me. All I know is that there’s nobody quite like you to figure this out.”
Sam hesitated. He knew he couldn’t promise and then back out. Yes, he was his own man, but her words, the way she put it, made it difficult to say no.
“Please don’t be a deserter when I really need somebody.”
“I was going to help you; it’s just a question of how.”
“That’s crap. There is only one way you help people. You take charge and fix it or you walk away. You’re not a halfway guy, Sam. I know you nailed Peter’s accountant The story was about you.”
“You would have to keep our relationship confidential and you can’t talk to people about me. Got it?”
“Got it. You better not crap out on me.”
“This will require some groundwork.”
“I have your word that I can hire you?”
“You have my word.”
“And you won’t just disappear on me?”
“I won’t.”
With that they made their way to a white building with cheery blue trim. According to the sign, it doubled as the store and the post office. Merchandise was stacked neatly on the shelves, although it was a bit sparse. A slender woman with a feather duster stared at Sam.
