Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
“I knew Gray could help me figure out the truth about my father’s death.
I’ve wanted the truth since I was seven years old.
I was never particularly good at believing what I was told.
Unlike the PIs and the cops, Gray won’t be scared to investigate.
I’m pretty sure nothing in this world scares him, and that is really, really hot. ”
– Emerson Marlowe
“Over here, darling!” Gray called. He made sure to lift up his phone and film Emerson.
Color him impressed because she was doing a pretty damn good job of balancing on the paddle-board.
She also wore the sexiest bikini he’d ever seen in his life.
One that drove him crazy with lust and had him glaring at any asshole who glanced her way a bit too long.
My wife, bastards. Move the hell along before I rip out your eyes.
He held the phone with steady fingers, but the camera wasn’t actually directed at Emerson.
Instead, he’d hit the button on the screen so that the camera showed his own image—or rather, the images of everyone behind him.
He surveyed the crowd near the paddleboard rental booth.
Tried to see exactly who was lurking around.
He’d already collected images of all the staff members who worked at the rental booth.
Pretty soon, Emerson would be making her “dramatic” discovery of the hidden camera perched at the booth.
He’d be sure to get that discovery on video, too. He wanted to see the reactions of the employees.
He and Emerson had started the day with sunrise yoga. Fun fact, Emerson was exceedingly flexible.
Now they were on to the second agenda item of the day—paddleboarding. They were following the same agenda that River had shared online during her honeymoon trip.
He cut his stare away from the phone and back to Emerson just as she took a spectacular fall into the water. She slid right off the side of her board, splashed, and her laughter rang into the air.
He loved her laughter. Gray ran toward the shore, like any good, worried husband would do. He also still clutched his phone. The better to film all his suspects.
Emerson didn’t remount the paddleboard. Instead, she grabbed it and began heading to shore. He waded out. Took the board from her. Kissed her.
It almost feels real. Almost felt like he was truly kissing his wife.
As they approached the shore together, he watched the water roll off her skin. Watched the bikini bottom cling to her phenomenal ass. Glared when the too-eager twenty-something attendant at the booth— Theo, his name is Theo Spire— bounded forward.
“It’s easy to take a fall,” Theo assured her. “Happens to everyone.”
She smiled at him. “I just need a little break.” She waved toward Gray. “Wanted to say hi to the hubby.”
He lifted a brow.
“Hi, hubby,” Emerson murmured.
Theo handed Emerson a towel. “We have bottled water at the booth,” he told her. “Come this way…” He whirled.
Emerson followed, slowly, seemingly letting her gaze sweep over the beach and the three rental booths as a smile played at the edges of her full lips.
But then, once she’d gotten the offered water bottle and was right next to Theo’s booth, Emerson frowned.
“What’s that?” Her voice rose. She lifted a hand to shield her eyes and pointed with the water bottle. “Is that a video camera up there?”
Theo didn’t even look in the direction she indicated. “There are no cameras on the beach area,” Theo informed her as he bent behind the booth’s desk. “But for the safety of our guests, there are security cameras installed in various locations at the actual resort.”
“ That’s a camera.” Emerson was adamant. “It’s like one of those spy cameras you see in the movies. Super tiny.”
Theo glanced over his shoulder. Finally peered at the top of the booth. “Sorry, ma’am, I don’t see anything.”
“ It’s right there. ” Her voice had grown louder.
And it was attracting attention. “OhmyGod, it’s just like that little camera that was in that kid’s dressing room that time at the mall.
Honey, honey, you remember, don’t you?” She spun to Gray.
“It’s so small. It’s that little black square on the edge of the sloping roof. You see it, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I see it, baby. Right there. Watching everyone who comes up.” His gaze cut to Theo. “I mean, if you’re recording for security, it’s no big deal, man. You don’t have to lie about it.”
Theo crept out of the booth. A radio was attached to his waist. “But there isn’t supposed to be a camera out here.” He rose onto his toes and peered up at the small device. “That’s not one of ours,” he muttered.
No, it wasn’t.
Theo yanked out his radio. “Gonna need security.” A bark had entered his voice and suddenly, his thin body was tense. “ Now. ”
“Are you absolutely certain of that fact?” Hannah asked as she held a phone gripped tightly to her right ear.
Gray and Emerson approached her desk with slow steps. Emerson had changed into regular clothes—another flowing skirt and a gauzy top—and Gray made certain he stayed at her side like the devoted husband he was.
Hannah’s gaze rose and crashed into them as she spoke into her phone. “How do you know?”
Gray and Emerson were about two feet from her desk.
“I appreciate the information,” Hannah assured the caller. “Thank you.” She placed the phone back on its cradle. A bright smile spread across her face. “Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. I hope you are enjoying your honeymoon time on our lovely island.”
“We’re here about the cameras,” Gray informed her grimly even as he watched closely for her response.
If anything, her smile grew bigger. “I have learned about the situation at the paddleboard rental booth. I can assure you that the unauthorized camera there has been removed.” Her eyelashes didn’t so much as flicker. “I am grateful to you for bringing the device to our attention.”
“Did you find more?” Emerson asked her. Just cutting right to the chase. “Because I heard some other guests talking about one being found near the dock.”
“We have located a few more devices. It is nothing for you to be concerned about.”
“Nothing for us to be concerned about?” Gray put his hands on her desk.
“Lady, you are saying some random person put cameras all over the resort and was filming guests—filming us? Filming my wife? Hell, yes, I’m concerned.
” Damn but he truly loved the my wife bit. Felt natural to say. Maybe too natural.
Her smile finally faltered. Hannah swallowed. “Our security team is checking the resort fully. Every unauthorized device is being removed.”
“How do you know that these devices aren’t in the suites?” Emerson’s hand pressed to her heart. “Oh, darling, what if someone was watching…?”
“I’ll kill the sonofabitch.”
“ Sir.” Hannah sucked in a sharp breath.
“There is no need for that sort of talk. The facility is secure, but out of an abundance of caution, guest rooms will be checked.” A faint click as Hannah cleared her throat.
“However, we have no reason to believe cameras are inside. The ones that we’ve located were all in public areas, easily accessed.
All of our guest rooms are locked. Keys are only given to individuals who show photo IDs at check-in.
” The smile came again. It did not reach her eyes.
“As I said before, I am grateful to you both for bringing this matter to our attention.”
“It was my wife,” Gray said. “She always notices the little things.” His right hand lifted from the desk and moved to rest at the small of Emerson’s back. My wife. He’d dropped the term again. It just rolled right off the tongue.
“Please allow me to thank you on behalf of the resort.” Hannah tapped on the keyboard near her.
“I see that you have a massage scheduled to start soon, Mrs. Anderson. A massage and then you’re booked for a horseback riding session.
” Her lips pursed. “Know what? I will comp that massage for you. A sign of appreciation.”
“That’s awfully kind,” Emerson murmured.
“We aim to please.”
Yeah, about that… “We’d originally wanted a couple’s massage,” Gray said.
Because that was what River had done with her husband.
“With Angel, because we’ve heard exceptional things where Angel is concerned.
” River had raved about “touching heaven” with Angel as her masseuse.
Gray didn’t know who had been the second massage therapist in the session with River and her husband. He hoped to discover that info, stat.
“Sorry. That’s just not possible.” Hannah was firm. “Angel is our most popular masseuse, and his schedule often books weeks in advance.”
Right. That had been why they couldn’t get the couple’s massage at the last minute. The longer, couple’s massage hadn’t been available, so they’d had to opt for the shorter, single “invigorating” massage. But, still, Emerson would have the chance to grill the masseuse who had been with River.
“But if there is any other way I can assist…?” Hannah stared at them with raised brows.
“When do we sign the honeymoon registry?” Emerson asked without missing a beat. “I’ve been wanting to sign, but no one has told me when we can add our names.”
Hannah took a half-step back. “I’ll be arranging the signing for you very soon.
It’s a special event. One for those who have promised to love each other forever.
” She cleared her throat. “As you can imagine, the, ah, discovery of those devices has caused a bit of a stir. Normal plans have altered.” A brisk nod.
“But you are a priority for me, I assure you.” Her gaze darted to Gray, then back to Emerson. “You are both a top priority.”
“Thank you.” Emerson sent her a sunny smile.
“I’m afraid that I have to excuse myself for a few moments,” Hannah added. “There is a group who will be checking in soon for a large family reunion, and I need to make certain that their bags are delivered to their connecting rooms as quickly as possible.”
“Right,” Gray drawled. “You have to keep all the guests happy.”
She’d begun to turn away, but at his words, Hannah stopped.
Her head angled toward him. “I began working here when I was eighteen years old. I’m twenty-eight now.
I started by working as a waitress in the main restaurant.
I learned this resort, inside and out. It is my home.
The staff members who work here are my family.
I love this place with all of my heart. Giving the guests what they need is always the most important item on my agenda.
I assure you that I will do everything in my power to make certain that you and your partner have an unforgettable experience here. ”
Emerson curled her fingers around Gray’s arm. “Thank you so much, Hannah.” Warmth filled Emerson’s voice. “I’d better get to that spa appointment. Don’t want to have Angel waiting.”
Hannah bustled away, heading straight for the luggage desk. Justin hurried from behind the desk and met her midway. They leaned together, talking quickly.
“I think we have a problem,” Emerson whispered to Gray.
Gray brought his head close to her, his mouth skimming over her cheek in what looked like a kiss, but he murmured in her ear, “She just called you my partner.” Partner, not wife. He’d noticed that slip, too.
Could have been just semantics. Could have been just a way of saying a husband and wife were partners but…Gray’s gut said no. His gut said she knew they were working undercover.
“We need to talk,” Emerson breathed back to him.
One hundred percent, he agreed. Not there, in the middle of the lobby, with all eyes on them. They needed some place private. Secure. Luckily, he knew just the spot. “Angel’s waiting,” Gray reminded her.
Another person to interrogate. Another suspect. Everywhere they turned, there was another potential suspect. Right now, Hannah is setting off every alarm bell in my head. How in the hell had she learned that he and Emerson were partners?
At that moment, Agnes and Trinity appeared. They were holding tennis rackets. Laughing. Their gazes swept right past Emerson and Gray.
And Rylan came strolling into the lobby, hauling a golf bag with him. His sunglasses hung from the top of his open Polo.
Their backup was casing the resort. Their team was there. They were safe.
So why was tension growing heavily at the base of Gray’s neck?
Because Hannah knows we aren’t married. Someone told her the truth about us.
Someone betrayed us.
And Gray didn’t fucking tolerate betrayal.