Fatal Tide - Iris Johansen [91]
“I agree.” Nicholas turned to Kelby. “When I wasn't keeping an eye on the dolphins this morning, I did a little firepower assembly. Just in case.” He moved down the deck. “I'm going to catch a bite to eat before I take off. It might be a long night.”
“Why didn't you wake me up?” Melis asked Kelby.
“You needed the sleep. Besides that wound, Lontana gave you a knockout punch. And there wasn't anything you could do. From now on it's going to be a waiting game.”
She was afraid he was right, and she was going to hate that waiting. “I hoped it might end last night.”
“It should have. The plan was sound enough. It just went wrong.”
“Thanks to Phil.” She gazed in the direction of Cadora. Phil was out there in his cottage, probably still congratulating himself on his great success. “He was so proud of himself.”
“Stop thinking about him.”
“I will. It's still new. I thought he was my friend.”
“It sounded like he still believed it. He's a little wacko.”
“No. It's only that we're all just shadows to him. Marinth is the reality. I never realized that.” She forced herself to look away. “Are you going down today?”
“For one dive. And, no, you're not going with me. I'll take Charlie.”
“I wasn't going. I can't risk not getting this wound healed right away.”
“The doctor said nothing strenuous for a week.”
“I heal fast.” She smiled faintly. “I'm like Pete. I'll know when I'm ready.”
He paused. “I don't know if you're going to be ready for this. We found a gift-wrapped package in the tender you took to Cadora.”
She stiffened. She'd completely forgotten the package Pennig had put in the tender. “Did you open it?”
“No, I wanted to chuck it, but I don't have the right. It's in your cabin.” He added roughly, “You chuck it. Don't even open it.”
She nodded and moved slowly toward her cabin.
What do you have for me now, Archer? What cruel little whimsy?
The box was sitting on her bed. A note was taped to the top. She opened the envelope.
Melis,
I hope I don't have to dispose of you tonight and that we're opening this together. I desperately want to see your face.
She hesitated and then tore off the gold wrappings.
She lifted one corner of the box.
White. Delicate as a moonbeam.
She slammed the lid of the box down.
Damn him. Damn him.
She picked up the box and headed for the door. Destroy it. Throw it overboard.
She stopped and drew a deep breath. She wasn't thinking. Everything had changed. They had no weapons against Archer right now. They might have to turn his weapons against him.
Not this one. Oh, God, not this one.
She forced herself to stride to the closet, tossed the box out of sight, and slammed the door.
She didn't even know if she could live in the same room with it. It would be like knowing a cobra was coiled in that closet.
But she didn't have to live in this room. She had Kelby, and she'd be safe wherever he was. She was welcome in his cabin, welcome in his bed. It didn't matter that it was only for now. What a good thing to know he was there for her.
Nicholas came back after nine o'clock that night. “It took me an hour or two to locate the ship. Archer up-anchored and sailed ten miles to the east. I was afraid we'd lost him.”
“Is he still on board?”
“I didn't find the ship until almost sunset. I didn't stay long and I had to keep far back so that I wouldn't be seen. I don't think he was on deck.”
“He's on the ship,” Melis said. “He's hovering. Like a bad dream.”
“I'd bet he's doing more than forming a black cloud over your head,” Kelby said. “He's getting reinforcements. We took out four of his men. It might take a little time to call up more help and weapons.”
“Makes sense,” Nicholas said. “I'll be able to get a better look at any comings and goings tomorrow. There's a chain of deserted islands about four miles away from where Archer's anchored. I can set up surveillance from one of them.”
“What kind of weapons?” Melis asked.
“He has access to some nasty firepower,” Kelby said grimly. “Maybe rocket launchers. No maybe if he decides to come after the Trina.”
“You think he will?”
“I imagine