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“I know. Okay. Before we get Agent Ballard involved, let me try to find some real proof.”
“How?”
“I want to search Maria’s room.”
“What do you think you’ll find?”
“I’ll know it when I see it.”
Trey nodded. The idea that Maria had facilitated Jason’s abduction didn’t ring true to him. He couldn’t be wrong about the genuine affection she had for his son. Kelly wouldn’t find anything in a search, but he dare not take that chance.
He’d been wrong about people before.
“I’ll need you to keep her occupied at some prearranged time tomorrow so I can get in there,” Kelly said. “I don’t want her to know we’re suspicious or she’ll start being more careful. Or disappear.”
“I made plans to take you and Jason out on the Drop Shot tomorrow. My boat.”
A smile tugged at her mouth. “Of course you have a boat.”
“I wanted you to enjoy your day off.”
Once again he couldn’t read her reaction, but at least she was smiling.
“Since you won’t let me do anything else for you,” he said.
She threw up her arms. “At least you aren’t trying to give me a boat.”
“Do you want one?”
Her eyes went so wide he had to laugh.
“No!” she said. “Stop it.”
“Never.” He liked seeing this playful side of Kelly. He longed to see it more often. In fact, he wanted to know everything about her. What was her favorite movie, book? What type of music did she like? He picked up her hand and linked their fingers. She didn’t pull away.
“So you’re up for a little cruise tomorrow?” he asked.
“Sure. Why not. So give Maria some task to do in the morning, and I’ll sneak in her room while she’s occupied.”
Trey shook his head. Kelly was unlike any woman he’d known. Instead of looking forward to a relaxing day on the water, her thoughts remained focused on her investigation of his staff. She was more excited about searching Maria’s room than any pleasure he’d planned for her. Did Kelly even know how to have fun? Had she ever enjoyed a day without worrying about what needed to be done?
“Your quest will have to take place later in the day,” Trey said. “We’re leaving the dock early, and it makes more sense for me to ask Maria to help clean Drop Shot after we get back.”
A buzz of static came over the intercom. “Mr. Wentworth,” a voice said.
Trey moved to the monitors. “What’s your status?” he demanded.
“All clear, sir. The boat belonged to a guest of a resident. You can come out now.”
* * *
STRETCHED OUT ON a lounge chair on the deck of Drop Shot, which was anchored off the coast of Elliott Key, Kelly closed her eyes and relaxed into the warmth of the afternoon sun, wearing the bikini Trey had given her a week ago.
She could so get used to this life.
Get over yourself, Jenkins. You’re not some pampered princess, and this is the last day of your little vacay.
She opened her eyes and gazed far across the glistening waters of Biscayne Bay to where another boat had anchored soon after the Drop Shot.
Trey’s “boat” had turned out to be a sixty-something-foot yacht, one she was certain could easily make a trip across the Atlantic. The yacht came with a captain to keep them out of trouble and a mate to serve her every whim, including a gourmet lunch that was actually healthy, making her think Trey had paid attention to her complaints about the fattening food.
The weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cool, a pleasant wind, and the Drop Shot cruised like a dream. Jason hadn’t been bratty. He’d even agreed to wear a life jacket on deck without complaint. Right now Trey was putting him down for a nap. Amazingly, the kid hadn’t objected to that, either.
She couldn’t remember ever having a nicer day. Even the constant presence of Jason’s bodyguards didn’t spoil the outing.
Although something was definitely up with the little dude. Not only had he been a perfect gentleman, she’d caught him looking at her in a new way at lunch, a confused expression wrinkling his nose. Was he remembering his real mother?
And of course that would be an excellent development. She took a deep breath and released it slowly. More good news on an already perfect day.
