Chapter 24
“That car is registered to a holding company,” Isabella said. “That holding company is owned by the offshore company that rents the vault that was robbed."
"Not surprising,” I said.
"That same offshore company also owns Key Marine Holdings Unlimited, which owns the Coconut Diamond Charter service."
I cringed. "So who's behind all of this?"
"A guy named Vladimir Solonik. It looks like he's involved in arms and heroin.
He's bringing the drugs in from Afghanistan.
Apparently, Vladimir doesn't play well with the cartel.
He's got his own supply chain. Multiple front operations launder the money—the charter service, a strip club, a restaurant and bar. "
My jaw tightened. I knew the answer before I asked, "What strip club?”
"The Emerald Lounge. Of course, each one of these entities is owned by its own holding company, which is owned by this, that, or the other thing. You get the idea."
I asked her to track Riley's phone.
With a few taps of the keys, she told me it was off the grid. It was the right move. If she was smart, she was in the process of disappearing.
I thanked Isabella and dialed Riley right away. It rang a few times and went to voicemail.
I left a message. "Riley, I know this is a difficult time. You're not safe. If you check your messages, get somewhere secure, keep your phone off, and contact me from a number that can’t be traced back to you."
I disconnected and told Jack to drive to the charter company. It was based out of Opal Bay.
We sped across town and pulled into the lot of the upscale marina. My heart thumped with adrenaline, my mind swirling with possibilities—none of them good.
Opal Bay was home to superyachts, bluewater sailboats, and other luxury pleasure craft. Coconut Diamond Charters had a large suite in the office complex.
JD and I hurried across the parking lot and pulled open the glass double doors that were etched with the company's name. I flashed my badge to the receptionist and asked, "Is Riley in today?”
"No. She hasn't come in yet. She’s supposed to come in this afternoon. She had a dentist appointment this morning, I believe.”
"You know how long that appointment has been on the books?"
"She told me about it yesterday.”
I thanked her for the information.
"Is there a message you would like me to give her?"
"No, thank you.”
We darted out of the office and headed back to the car.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?” JD asked.
I gave a grim nod. I had a lot of questions for Riley if I ever talked to her again.
We hopped into the Porsche, and I pulled up Riley's address from the DMV. She lived in the Coronado. It was an upscale midrise not far from the marina.
We hurried over to the building and pulled up to the main entrance. The valet hustled around and grabbed Jack’s door. He gave the attendant a few bills and told him to keep the car up front. "We won't be long."
I flashed my badge at the glass double doors, and the concierge buzzed us in. We rushed across the lobby, took the elevator up to the fourth floor, and banged on unit #422.
There was no answer.
I knocked again and shouted, "Riley, it's Tyson."
There was still no response.
Dread began to creep in. What if Vladimir’s thugs had gotten to her already?
After banging on the door again, we left and headed back down to the lobby. We stepped outside and climbed into the Porsche. The valet had kept it up front as asked.
We left the Coronado and drove to Oyster Avenue. We found a place to park, hopped out, and strolled the sidewalk to the Emerald Lounge.
At this time of the morning, there wasn't much of a crowd, but it would fill up soon for the lunch buffet. Gorgeous beauties danced on stage, and the thump of pop music pounded.
I looked around for familiar faces, hoping to spot the entertainer who had been the object of Wade’s affection for most of the evening last night.
Rebel slithered up and down an overjoyed client. Her perky form mesmerized. That girl stayed busy in a place like this.
We approached and hovered nearby as the minx brought her customer to his limit. I flashed my badge, and her face soured.
“We need a word when you’re finished.”
Concern filled her eyes.