Chapter 11
Baily crouched near the edge of the dock, tightening the hose fitting for one of the water lines while Bingo tossed off a coil of rope.
The sun hung low behind a blanket of haze, casting a soft gray hue over the marina.
The air was cool, which was pleasant, and the scents of salt, grease, and mangroves lifted from the earth and wafted in the breeze.
This had always been the dream. Sure, it was hard work. It often brought too little money. But the rewards—they were greater than any fat bank account, even in the midst of chaos, especially now that she had friends she could call family.
She’d always had friends in Calusa Cove.
People who were not only loyal to the marina but also loyal to her and her father’s vision.
She couldn’t imagine being anywhere else in the world.
This patch of land had something magical.
Something so special that when anyone dared to drift in the waters, they always wanted more.
“You think the tourists will ever stop asking if they’ll see dolphins in the Everglades?” Bingo grunted, tossing another coiled line into a crate.
Tourists were an interesting breed. Many thought every stop on their itinerary, including a gas station, was meant for their entertainment, and Baily didn’t understand them one bit.
“Not a chance,” Baily said, crouching to help. “Yesterday, someone asked me if the manatees here were friendly enough to pet, like they’re labradors or something.”
“They’re not fast animals, so people can touch them half the time.” Bingo snorted. “But that doesn’t mean they should, and we should get a big sign that says: ‘This ain’t SeaWorld.’”
“Well, you’ll love this one then.” Baily stood tall, stretching out her back. “A family stopped to gas up for the boat parade. A mom and her kid got off looking for some snacks. They saw a few gators and asked if there was a feeding machine so they could toss them some food.”
“That is about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
” Bingo shook his head. “I’ll never understand why some kids think it’s funny to feed them marshmallows.
” Bingo sighed. “Last year, one of them damn near got their foot taken off after their kayak flipped over and the gator went for the bag of treats.”
“Gators aren’t bright. They see food, they go after it,” Baily said. “All those kids are doing is training them to follow kayaks, paddleboards, and other small vessels in the water. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
“Agreed.”
Footsteps echoed from behind her, heavy and unfamiliar. Baily stiffened, rising slowly. She turned to see Decker Brown stepping off the gravel lot and onto the dock like he had every right to be there. She straightened, wiping her hands on her jeans as a cold rush prickled down her spine.
Fletcher had warned her to tread lightly when it came to him. Not to say too much, to keep her cool, and when he showed, to point him in the direction of her office.
She still resented that last part of the sentence. Ever since Fletcher had told her about his drinks with Decker last night, her anger had coiled like a snake in the pit of her stomach. It was hot and ready to strike.
“You lost, or just looking to get thrown into the canal as alligator feed?” she asked with a kind, sweet tone.
Fletcher would be at least proud of the fact she hadn’t raised her voice.
Progress.
Decker hesitated, clearly uncomfortable in his designer boat shoes and pressed polo shirt, which clashed against the working grit of the marina. He looked around before answering, voice low, “I’m guessing Fletcher told you. I’m sorry.”
“It’s a little late for sorry,” she mumbled. “For which I’m not interested in hearing.”
“I guess I can’t blame you.” He shifted his weight. “Is Fletcher inside?”
Baily narrowed her eyes, glancing around to make sure no one else was watching.
“For the record, I don’t like this game.
Fletcher made a stink about you meeting here.
About waving a white flag. Said it might be better if someone saw you walking into the marina and not a bar.
He used the word optics. But don’t think for one second I’m thrilled about playing hostess or even want to listen to this shit.
You lied, and I don’t care what the reason is. ”
Decker shifted awkwardly. “Look, I didn’t come to cause trouble. I didn’t know—”
She cut him off with a sharp wave of her hand. “You caused trouble the moment you rolled into this town thinking you could trade in your problems by creating them for someone else.”
“I didn’t know what I was getting into.”
“Yeah, well, neither did the rest of us. You’ve been circling like a shark since the moment Dewey was exposed, and now suddenly you want a meeting?
Fletcher might be willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.
Me?” She shrugged, keeping her distance out of fear she might actually haul off and hit him, or shove him right next to that nice ten-foot gator hanging out in the reeds. “I’m still undecided.”
Decker didn’t respond, just nodded and kept his head down as she led him across the gravel, inside the marina, and into the back room, which was a little bigger than her office. She pushed it open and stepped aside, motioning him in like she was escorting a criminal.
Fletcher leaned against a folding table, arms crossed. The second he saw Decker, his jaw tightened.
“You’re late,” Fletcher said flatly.
“I stopped in town, just to see if I was being followed.” Decker flicked a glance toward Baily, but she was already turning on her heel, heading back out. “She’s not staying?”
“I heard enough of this bullshit last night,” she muttered under her breath.
“Fletcher will either call me if I need to be here or fill me in later.” She glanced over her shoulder.
“I can’t be trusted in the same room with you.
Fletcher’s worried I’ll use that pretty face of yours as a punching bag instead of the one in his garage. ”
“She’s right.” Fletcher smiled, giving her a wave. “Don’t go too far.”
“I’ve got her six,” Bingo said and trailed behind her as she made her way back to the dock with long strides and her heart hammering in her throat.
There had been a time, when she’d first met Decker, that she’d actually liked the man.
She’d even entertained going on a couple dates.
Coffee at first. She’d quickly learned she wasn’t interested, but he wasn’t a horrible human.
Or so she’d believed at the time.
Did all men betray trust?
She pulled her phone from her back pocket, scrolling through her contacts. She was about to call Audra—maybe Trinity, someone who would understand the boiling mix of frustration and helplessness clawing at her chest—but a car pulled into the lot.
Chloe stepped out, dressed in a pair of jeans and a fitted jacket, sunglasses perched atop her head, and a messenger bag slung over her shoulder.
In some ways, she was the total opposite of Hayes.
She was focused, direct, and often times, harsh when she opened her mouth—that was if she even spoke.
However, once they’d all gotten to know her, she’d softened a bit.
Hayes could be quiet. He could blend into the wall and remain unnoticed. But everyone saw Chloe coming. She was a force to be reckoned with. Hayes was just this laid-back dude who made everyone feel good.
Yet, Hayes and Chloe together…were pure gold.
“Good evening, my sweet friend,” Chloe called out, striding toward her.
“Nothing good about tonight, and I’m not sweet, not anymore,” Baily said, forcing a smile. “Not when Decker Brown shows up wearing horrible designer clothes that mock boat attire and make me feel like I’m on a bad movie set for a remake of Jaws.”
“Wow, that’s a mouthful. You’re starting to sound like Audra.” Chloe stopped beside her, following her gaze toward the marina. “I take it Decker’s already here.”
“Unfortunately.” Baily crossed her arms. “He showed up looking like a kicked puppy. Claims he had no idea what he was getting into when he was asked to come to town and keep tabs on me. That he didn’t know the Barbaros were behind it, yet that family destroyed his town outside of Miami.
” Baily let out a whopper of a sigh. “If the Barbaros are behind my loan, then Ken knew. If Ken knew, I’m bringing him back from the dead and killing him myself. ”
Chloe’s brow rose. “Yeah, I understand how you’d feel like that.”
“I honestly don’t understand anything,” Baily muttered. “Nothing makes sense. Ken and Julie acted like they wanted nothing to do with this place. I feel like I’m walking a tightrope with no idea when or where it’s going to snap.”
Chloe exhaled. “I know. And I wish I could say I have all the answers, but it’s still a tangled mess.
I came by to go over some things with Fletcher.
I think we’re circling something. A name came up—Garrett Danvers.
He used to work for the Barbaros’ manufacturing business.
His name’s buried in one of the shell companies connected to the LLC that’s tied to your marina loan. ”
“Garrett Danvers? That name doesn’t ring a bell.”
“He lives in Maryland. I haven’t been able to get hold of him, but I’ve got an old friend heading to Garrett’s place tonight.
I’m hoping we’ll hear from him before this meeting with Decker is over.
Meanwhile, I’ve pulled in a favor.” Chloe glanced over her shoulder and lowered her voice.
“My old friend Greer Hudson—she’s a sheriff out in Oregon now.
We were in the Bureau together. Her cousin Enzo is a corporate and securities lawyer on Marco Island.
Greer said he’s the best, and he’s willing to take a look at everything we’ve got. ”
Baily’s eyes widened. “I trust you, Chloe, I do. But do we want to bring in someone else?” Baily hugged her middle. “I’ve been screwed over too many times…” She let the words trail off.