Nash ducked, retreated from the veranda, and crouched in the shadows next to the house.
Emil burst out of the back door, fuming, binoculars in hand. He walked to the edge of the veranda, raised the binoculars to his face, and looked out over the ocean. There was no way he could see much in the moonlight. Was he waiting for a signal?
Nash tamped down the urge to stand for a better look. He craned his neck as far as he dared, trying to see what Emil was doing.
Over the ocean breeze, a sound. Steps. Footsteps on the sidewalk leading from the beach.
Emil tossed the binoculars onto a patio table and planted his hands on his hips. He obviously saw something Nash couldn't see. The footsteps came closer.
"You're late," Emil said.
The newcomer replied with a grunt. "I'm here. It was your idiot idea that I come by boat. And we said, midnight. Why did you move up the time?"
Emil didn't reply. He just turned around, opened the back door, and stormed back into the house. The stranger followed him.
Nice. Things are getting interesting.
Nash watched the silhouettes move from the kitchen to the hallway. He waited a few seconds, then let himself in through the back door.
Footfalls drifted down the hall and into the study.
They didn't shut the door. Small miracles.Thank you, God.
Nash pulled his phone from his pocket and hit record. He wouldn't be able to get video from his hiding place near the door. But recording the conversation could be helpful later.
"Emil? What happened to you? Did you fall off your boat?"
"I'm so glad you asked." Venom coursed through Emil's words. "Apparently,someoneleaked information about me having the jewels. Tonight, a homicidal madman showed up at my party, demanding I give him the jewels, or he'd kill me. I escaped with Cassidy in a fishing boat, but he tossed a bomb into it and we had to swim for our lives!" A loudsmack echoed, probably Emil's hand hitting the desk. "I'm done with this! I want my money, and I want out."
"Who was he? How did he know about the jewels? Does he know about me?"
"I have no idea! This has spun way out of control. My security guards on my yacht caught someone looking for the jewels yesterday. They got rid of him, but this is a mess. It's not fun anymore. It was a rush at first, but I'm done."
"Wait. What do you mean they 'got rid of him'? Did they kill him?"
"I don't know. I told them I didn't want to know. The local police here are a joke, so I'm not worried. I just want to get rid of these jewels and be done with it."
The man groaned. "You imbecile. I should never have involved you. How could you . . . nevermind. Fine. I'll take the jewels and be gone. Do not contact me after tonight."
The dial on the safe spun.
"Don't bother with that," Emil said.
"Why not?" asked the man.
Rustling sounds. A soft thud sounded.
"What's that?" The man's irritation ratcheted up.
"The jewels," said Emil.
"You had them on you?"
"Yes, but this is only half the jewels. So I'll take half my price tonight."
"Where's the rest, Emil?" The man sounded like he was scolding a child.
"They were stolen from the safe," Emil growled.
