4. Bodyguard on Board
A fter a week at home poring over the case files, Isaiah was surprised that his captain hadn’t reprimanded him for his fruitless attempt to gatecrash Martha Roe’s funeral.
It seemed Roberts assumed he had actually taken her advice and gone on holiday.
However, his investigation was at a standstill until he could get in the same room as Poppy Roe.
Once he made contact with the owner of Heaven’s Heart nightclub, that would hopefully no longer be a problem.
“Sorry, sir, but this area is off-limits without an invitation,” the bouncer said, prodding a finger into Isaiah’s chest and preventing him from entering the VIP area on the second floor of Heaven’s Heart nightclub.
He hadn’t pushed his way through the crowd of sweaty bodies covered in too much aftershave and perfume to be turned away.
“I’m not here for the bottle service; I want to see your boss, Mr Eckells,” he said politely, stepping back.
He knew that breaking the man’s wrist would only get him kicked out, and he didn’t want to deal with that on top of his hangover.
I need to take it easy on the booze, he thought; waking up with a hangover was beginning to become a habit. But his captain had told him to relax, and catching up on
Formula 1 with a few beers last night had felt like the perfect way to unwind after scrolling through Poppy Roe’s social media accounts to make a timeline of her movements over the last few weeks, leading him to Heaven’s Heart.
Her latest post featured a bright pink suitcase and a caption that mentioned setting sail on the world’s most exclusive cruise ship, the Midas .
He would have to find another way onto that ship if he couldn’t get into this VIP area.
He needed to call in a favour from the owner.
“Mr Eckells doesn’t see anyone while the club is open. I suggest you turn around and grab a drink at the bar,” the bouncer instructed.
Isaiah took his badge out of his pocket andshowed it just as a second, shorter bouncer joined them.
“That’s not going to help you here,” the first guy said. “Get going before the wrong person sees that pretty badge.”
“Take it, show it to your boss, and if he wants me to leave, I’ll happily walk away,” Isaiah said, handing it over.
The shorter bouncer whispered something to his friend that Isaiah couldn’t make out over the music.
“I’ll be back. Make sure Mr Rivers doesn’t go anywhere,” the first guy said, taking his badge and heading down a dark hallway.
“You’ve a lot of nerve flashing that badge,” the short bouncer said. “The boss isn’t a fan of the cops. You should’ve left when we asked nicely.”
“We’ll see,” Isaiah said with a smug smile.
His companion returned and lifted the rope for Isaiah to pass through.
“Mr. Eckells is in a meeting. Wait outside his office until you’re called,” he said, clenching his jaw as if his words tasted sour.
Isaiah took a few steps, then turned back. “I think you forgot something,” he said, holding his hand out.
The bouncer reluctantly handed him back his badge.
“Who the fuck was that?” he heard the shorter man ask behind him.
“He saved the boss’s younger sister, so he gets a free pass.”
“Shit, that guy? Was the boss pissed we didn’t let him through? Should we apologise?”
“Shut it. I’m not apologizing to a cop,” the taller bouncer said, clearly annoyed at being shown up.
Isaiah smiled, wishing he had witnessed Eckells scolding the bouncer. They must be new. Usually the bouncers at the back door knew to let him through.
Reaching Eckells’ office, he frowned when he saw the door ajar. Eckells had a strict closed-door policy. The bouncer must have rushed out. Isaiah shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but he figured it wasn’t his fault if he overheard anything while he waited.
“I only need two weeks off to accompany her on the Midas ,” a woman was saying. “Technically, I’d still be working for you – it’s your ship. Don’t you want to have eyes onboard to ensure everything runs smoothly? You could even say I’m killing two birds with one stone.”
Isaiah heard a chair creak.
“I warned you not to get involved with our clients. I’ll hide the recording, which you never should have taken, because I don’t want it used against you. Do you know what some of our clients would do if they knew you might film them? I think I value your life more than you do, with such behaviour.”
“I don’t record clients. This was the first and only time.
I can’t just leave her to fend for herself, and it’s not like you’ve never taken justice into your own hands.
All I’m asking for is some time to help her, and if anything goes wrong, then that recording is all you need to know who’s behind it. ”
“Mina, I understand that you have a big heart and want to help, but you don’t want to get involved in a murder plot, no matter how justified. Neither do I, especially not aboard my ship,” Levi Eckells replied shortly.
“We aren’t going to murder anyone. Poppy just needs a bodyguard to make sure that if anyone wants to hurt her, they can’t. I’m just an extra set of hands.”
A murder plot? Isaiah’s frown deepened. What’s Levi wrapped up in now?
Isaiah had known Levi since his rookie year, when the man was just a bouncer working for a rough crowd.
Over the years, they had developed what could be considered a friendship.
Levi had three rules in his line of work: he didn’t get involved with drugs, women, or children.
Instead, he spent most of his time dealing with those who did.
Isaiah stepped into the office, a dimly lit space with a large desk at the centre cluttered with papers and a few empty glasses. The room smelled faintly of cigar smoke, a testament to Levi’s occasional indulgence.
“Not planning on murdering any of your rivals, are you?” Isaiah quipped.
“Speak of the devil. This is the man you need.” Levi slapped the desk, getting up to greet his friend. “What’s this about murder? You know me; I wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“Not with your own hands,” Isaiah agreed dryly.
He peered over Levi’s shoulder at Mina. She wore a black shirt with the club’s name on the breast pocket and a nametag that read Bar Manager .
“What has you darkening my door? My little birds tell me that you’ve been benched. I thought you’d be sipping cocktails on some beach,” Eckells said.
“So sorry– I didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation, but I have some business to discuss with Mr Eckells,” Isaiah said to Mina.
“No need to apologise. You’re always welcome here. The doorman should’ve informed me when you arrived,” Levi said sternly.
Last year, Isaiah had overheard a cop bragging about blackmailing Levi’s younger sister with explicit photos to make her spy on her brother.
Isaiah had made sure the cop ended up behind bars.
Although the captain had backed him up, the rest of the station had been cold towards him ever since, accusing him of siding with a criminal.
Still, it was nice to always have Levi’s good will.
“My visit is rather impromptu – otherwise I would have called ahead,” Isaiah said, noting that Levi didn’t introduce Mina.
“The Great Detective Rivers taking time off? I’d have thought Hell would freeze over first. Since you have some time off, how about a handsomely paid bodyguard gig aboard the most luxurious cruise in the world?
” Levi asked, sinking back in his chair.
His smile highlighted the scar on the corner of his chin.
“Isn’t he a cop?” Mina whispered to her boss, who appeared amused by the fear in her voice.
“Detective,” Isaiah corrected, but Mina didn’t seem relieved.
She probably recognised him because the staff had pictures of all the local police officers to memorise.
Levi ensured police officers received special attention and never paid for their drinks.
He called it service, but Isaiah thought of it as babysitting.
“Mina, don’t be so rude to our guest. He’s a friend, so I overlook his profession.
It does come in rather handy, now and then,” Levi said with a wink, taking a cigar from a varnished box on his desk.
“You wanted me to find you a bodyguard, and there’s no one I trust more.
Rivers is above board and will stop you from getting into trouble or, worse, causing any.
I don’t want my other guests disturbed. They pay for discretion and peace. ”
“What’s the job?” Isaiah asked. This was perfect. He didn’t even need to ask for a way to get on board.
“The Midas is sailing next week, and Mina is accompanying a VIP. My guest is looking for some security while on board.” Levi chopped off the end of the cigar but didn’t light it.
“Who’s the guest?” Isaiah inquired.
“Poppy Roe,” Mina said.
Isaiah let out a chuckle of disbelief. This was too good to be true.
“You’re a fan?” Mina frowned suspiciously.
“I’m aware of some of the things she’s done.”
“I didn’t expect pop to be your genre of choice,” Levi commented, swivelling in his chair.
“I just go where the leads take me.”
“All my guests can have one personal bodyguard, though it’s only precautionary.
I have the best security team on board, but some guests are twitchy.
All your expenses will be covered, and looking after the princess of pop shouldn’t be too much trouble.
” Levi was clearly unaware that the five-foot bombshell was a serial killer, or at least closely linked to one.
“I’m sure he doesn’t want to spend his holidays helping us,” Mina argued. “Surely someone from your security team could fill in. I’ve already asked around—”
Isaiah didn’t need to be a detective to know she didn’t want to get the law involved in whatever Ms Roe was planning.
“Very proactive of you, but sparing you is enough of a sacrifice, and Isaiah can be trusted. I’m sure he’ll be able to assist Ms Roe with whatever she needs,” Levi reassured her.
Given the way he looked at her, and how she was able to speak so freely without repercussions, Isaiah wondered if something was going on between them. Levi was roughly his age, in his late thirties, but he’d never settled down.
“Doesn’t Ms Roe have her own team security she can bring?” Isaiah glanced at Mina, who suddenly found the carpet fascinating.
“Ms Roe is reorganising her staff, and she just needs someone short-term,” she informed him.
Hmm. “Since I’ve nothing better to do, count me in. Sounds like easy money.”
“Bring my woman back in one piece, or we’ll have issues,” Levi said.
Mina rolled her eyes.She looked closer to Poppy’s age, maybe a year or two older. Despite the age gap, it was obvious Levi trusted and respected her to run his bar.
“I’m not your anything but bar manager,” she snapped.
Isaiah raised his eyebrows at her tone. Very few dared to speak to Levi that way, if any. Even though he had topped Forbes’ Forty Under 40 list of richest and most eligible bachelors, he clearly wanted the one woman who didn’t want him back. Maybe it would humble him.
“For now.” Levi winked, placing the cigar between his lips.
Mina blushed, but it was unclear if she was flattered or furious. Isaiah got the feeling he shouldn’t be witnessing the exchange.
“If you two are done flirting, I’ll be off,” he said, not wanting to overstay his welcome. He’d got what he’d come for without having to cash in on his favour.
“You stay, I’ll go. I’ll email you the details, and don’t be late to the dock,” Mina ordered him before she stormed out of the room, shoulder-checking him on the way.
“Why do I get the feeling I’ve been set up?” Isaiah muttered.
“Don’t worry, we’re just pawns in their game.” Levi sighed and tossed Isaiah a phone from his desk drawer. “It’s a secure line. Call if you need anything. Keep Mina alive and my ship afloat, and we won’t have any issues.”
“I get the feeling that’s going to be harder than it should be,” Isaiah said, trying not to show how happy he was. Not only would he be on the same ship as Poppy Roe, but he’d have unfettered access to her.
“Have fun,” Levi chuckled.
Isaiah hesitated before leaving, unwilling to pass up an opportunity to use his friend’s connections.
“Something on your mind?” Levi asked.
“I need a favour,” Isaiah admitted, his voice low and urgent. He had a feeling this wasn’t going to be an easy ask, but he had no other choice.
“Take a seat.” Levi extended a hand to the chair across from him. “What can I do? I had a feeling this wasn’t a social visit.”
“I need you to look into someone for me. I can’t go through official channels and don’t want anyone to know who I’m looking into,” Isaiah said, sitting down.
Levi didn’t even blink.
“Name?” He took out a notepad and a pen.
“Poppy Roe.” Isaiah waited for the penny to drop.
Levi frowned. “Do you always do a background check on those you’re meant to protect?”
“No, this isn’t about the job.” He didn’t offer any more information, and Levi didn’t ask.
“How much information are we talking about? Surface or deep-dive?” he asked, making notes.
“Deep-dive. The more information the better; no detail is too small.”
“Any area or time in particular?”
“The last six months, but I’m looking for skeletons. Whatever you can get.”
“Consider it done. I might not have the information you want by the time you leave, though, if you don’t want to leave any rock unturned. I can send an encrypted file to the captain of the Midas , and they’ll make sure you get it.”
“Thank you. What do I owe you?” Isaiah felt like a weight had been lifted. He knew Levi would break the law, or at least dance around it, but if his colleagues wouldn’t offer help, he had to seek it out elsewhere.
“Don’t mention it. I’m happy to help.”
Isaiah didn’t want to owe him anything. “I can’t let you do that.”
Levi leaned his elbows on the desk. “Look after Mina. She means something to me, and I don’t want her caught up in whatever Ms Roe is up to.”
They exchanged a knowing look.
“I’ll bring them both back in one piece.”
Levi smiled. “Good. I’m glad you stopped by tonight. Seems like we’re all getting what we want.”
“Or, like you said, we’re pawns in a much bigger game.”
Levi chuckled and walked him to the door. “And doesn’t that sound like fun?”
They said goodbye, but Isaiah wasn’t so sure. Considering how easily everything was falling into place, he couldn’t help but wonder if luck was on his side, or if this was just the start of a storm.