“Then maybe Mr. Stone sent the wrong man for the job.”
You fucking didn’t just say that, did you?
I was definitely not the man for this job, but there was no way in hell I could let this woman be the one to tell me that. I had never failed at any assignment and I sure as hell was not gonna fail this one. “You are an attorney, correct?” With her arms crossed, she nodded. I added, “Then you know proving your case is based on facts and witness testimonies. Do you think I have a case at the moment?”
I definitely got her attention. Her sea blue eyes shot daggers in my direction. She practically growled, “I guess I’ll have to find him myself.”
“The hell you will. If someone here is potentially dangerous, I don’t want you involved at all,” I stated firmly.
“And how do you plan on stopping me?” she asked.
I love a challenge. Grinning, I replied, “I’ll be your shadow everywhere you go. So either you drop this now or accept the fact that I’ll be by your side every second.”
She didn’t respond, so I turned and headed towards the hotel. I heard her mutter just before I was out of earshot, “Arrogant ass.”
I guess I haven’t changed as much as I thought.
Chapter 4
Robin
What is wrong with me? I never even asked his name. The only thing I knew was that Mr. Stone had sent him to speak to me. How could I locate him again if I didn’t even know who to ask for? He had caught me off guard, which is generally hard to do. I couldn’t believe how different he looked in a suit. He was a very handsome man, but I actually liked him better in shorts and a T-shirt. Maybe it was because I was on vacation and his questioning felt too much like being back in the office, surrounded by people in stuffy suits. I wished he had asked me to have a drink instead of questioning me about Lily and the lurking creep.
There was no point in trying to read the book I’d brought along to the beach. My mind was racing in all different directions. And right now, I needed to do something, anything, to get my mind off of that handsome stranger. He may have issued a warning to me, but as far as I’m concerned, he doesn’t have the authority to do so.
Since I hadn’t come down here to sunbathe or swim, I really didn’t have much to pack up. All I had to do was shake the sand out of my sandals. But I wasn’t heading back to my room. I was going to do some sightseeing of my own and I’ve pretty much have already explored most of the resort grounds already. And the only sight I was looking for right now was Lily.
I always saw her serving guests on the beach, but I couldn’t seem to find her now. Maybe she had gone home or decided to fill a shift elsewhere. There was dining inside after all. And there is also a beautiful outside patio with tables and umbrella’s. I should start there. If I don’t see her, I guess I can always ask one of the other waitresses.
As I expected, Lily was no were in sight, even at the patio. I was out of options. I’d have to ask. I called over one of the waitresses I’d seen bustling about.
“Hello. May I get you something?” the woman asked.
“Actually, I’m looking for one of your colleagues-a young lady who’s been waiting on me this week. Her name is Lily. Do you know where I can find her?” I asked.
The woman looked nervous, taking her eyes off me and glancing around before bringing her attention back. In a very low voice she whispered, “I think she left.”
I had no idea why that was a secret. “Was she ill?” She hadn’t looked sick earlier. Only scared.
The woman shook her head. Her voice was so low I could barely hear her. “No.”
I was hoping to get a little more information than that, so I asked, “Did anything seem wrong?” I didn’t want to mention what I had witnessed, mostly because I was asked not to. But how could I investigate without asking any questions? Investigate without investigating. I was going to find out what was going on, and probably before anyone else. A good attorney wasn’t afraid to do her own fact finding.
The woman once again looked around, and wore the same concerned expression that Lily had before. I knew I wasn’t imagining it. Something is going on here.
“I don’t know what you mean,” she said.
“I mean… I mean, did she leave with anyone? I mean, anyone unusual?” I wasn’t going to give her the details. That would be leading the witness.
“I saw her grab her purse and she left, alone.”
That was good news, I guess. At least it meant she wasn’t forced or dragged off somewhere. I must’ve been reading too many thrillers. This might just be normal behavior for Lily.
The woman added, “I don’t think she told anyone why.”
“Why what?” I asked.
“Why she was leaving. Her shift wasn’t over. It’s not like Lily. But please, don’t tell anyone I told you that. I don’t want her to get in trouble.”
What is going on with the management that makes the employees so frightened? Mr. Stone didn’t seem to be overly stern or unyielding, however, I didn’t have a view from the inside. I was a paying guest, so I’m sure he’d been on his best behavior when we met. The man he sent to follow up with me, on the other hand…
“I promise I won’t say anything to anyone. Thank you so much for talking with me. I’m sure Lily is okay.” At least, I hope she is.
Another guest had called for the waitress and she said, “I have to get back to work now.”
I nodded and she left. At least I didn’t have to wonder where Lily was on the resort. But now I was really concerned - what if she was in trouble off the resort grounds? Since New Hope was a closed facility, there was no way I could go find out for myself. This would be a lot easier if I was home. I have connections, resources.
I plopped myself down at one of the empty tables. The overwhelming feelings of defeat and helplessness filled me. I just need to regroup and think. Something would come to mind. I don’t give up this easily. And I don’t think Lily would want me too either.
“Is everything all right?” a woman asked.
I had seen her around the resort before. She didn’t appear to work here, so she must have been a guest like me. “Yes. I was just…in deep thought.”
The woman took the seat across from me and extended her hand and said, “My name is Zoey Stone.”
Stone.
I shook her hand. “I’m Robin Wellington. Are you related to Bennett Stone?”
She nodded. “Bennett is my husband. How do you know him?”
I smiled and replied, “He was kind enough to help me with an issue I had with an employee here. Actually not an issue with her, but with someone else. It’s kind of complicated.”
Zoey chuckled. “It usually is when my husband is involved. I’m glad he was able to assist you. Are you enjoying your stay?”
“The resort is absolutely beautiful. It’s really a hidden gem. I’m surprised my travel agent even knew about this place. But I’m glad he recommended it.”
“My family hasn’t done much advertising about it. It’s really based on word of mouth. And we’re very cautious about the caliber of our clientele,” Zoey stated.