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“No thanks, bottled water will be fine,” Scott replied, still wondering about Ewen. “I have to set sail early in the morning.”
“Speaking of which, tell me about your charters.”
“I see Ewen,” Elizabeth murmured in Scott’s ear. “He left the VIP area a few minutes ago, but we couldn’t see him when he was in there. Brad doesn’t know what’s wrong, but we lost the camera feed from their security network. Not for the rest of the house, just Sonny’s private quarters.”
“What specifically do you want to know, Richard?” Scott asked, praying Ewen had been successful, and the tracker was in place waiting to be turned on.
“Mr. Conchello’s guests will expect fine dining. Can that be arranged?”
“If you want luxury yachts, you should look elsewhere. Our trips are about fun in the sun, not diamonds sparkling under chandeliers in the salon.”
“Ah, here comes Mr. Conchello now,” Richard exclaimed, his eyes darting toward a door at the far end of the room. “You can discuss these things with him personally.”
But as Richard stood up and leaned across the table to wave to Sonny, his elbow caught the glass of wine, knocking it into Scott’s lap.
“I’m so dreadfully sorry,” Richard said with a gasp, hastily grabbing a napkin, but as he frantically wiped down Scott’s jacket, he whispered, “Say no to whatever he offers, and get the fuck out of here while you still can.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Startled by Richard’s unexpected warning, Scott realized the lawyer could be another one who wanted out. Quickly turning his eyes to Sonny Conchello, he found the drug lord impeccably dressed in a pair of white leather loafers, a white shirt with rhinestone buttons, and a pale gray linen suit. He was shorter than Scott expected, and though he moved with an imperious swagger, his steps were comically dwarfish. Closely following were two somber, muscled young men dressed in black.
They look like they stepped straight out of central casting.
Pete’s description of the guards behind the house echoed through Scott’s head. Pete had been right.
“Scott Specter, I’m Sonny Conchello,” Sonny declared as he approached. “You must send in the cleaning bill.”
“Yes, you must,” Richard agreed, staring at Scott earnestly.
“Hello, Mr. Conchello. I will if you insist, but I’d rather talk about this proposed charter. From what Richard has just told me, I don’t think Victoria Sailing School is what you’re looking for. My boats aren’t million-dollar luxury yachts with chefs and maid service.”
“My guests enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere at times. Based on what my assistant saw on your website, she thought your catamarans would be ideal. Leave that,” Sonny declared, glancing down at the table and waving his hand at Scott’s plate. “My personal chef has two Michelin stars and he’s prepared a delicious feast in my private quarters. Join me. We can discuss this in more detail.”
“I really don’t think my yachts are what you’re looking for,” Scott said, not wanting to give in too easily.
“You’ll be in the company of some extremely attractive models and actresses,” Sonny continued. “You could end up with more than one keeping you company tonight.”
“They’d better keep their hands off you.” Elizabeth’s whispered words made Scott break into a grin.
“Ah, I see that appeals to you,” Sonny declared, misunderstanding the smile. “I’ll take you up personally. Come along, Richard, you’ll join us as well.”
While Sonny and Scott had been talking, Richard had sat down at the table and guzzled his wine. As he rose to his feet, Scott could see fear in his eyes.
“Ewen, what are you doing down here?” Sonny suddenly exclaimed, marching toward him. “Don’t tell me you’re tired of those gorgeous girls already.”
“Just plain tired, boss,” Ewen replied wearily. “I came in to have a quiet bite to eat before going to my room. Those painkillers Rosemary gave me have worn off.”
“I have more, and you’ll join us. We all eat together. Scott, meet Ewen MacDonald,” Sonny said as Ewen followed him back to the table. “Forgive his appearance. He had an unfortunate accident.”
“Scott Specter,” Scott said, shaking Ewen’s hand. “Sorry to hear that.”
“He’s a tough Aussie,” Sonny interjected. “He’ll bounce back. Come on, everyone.”
The two ominous bodyguards stood aside as the drug lord strode back to the door through which he’d entered.
Richard and Ewen fell in step behind him.
But Scott hesitated.
