Blue Velvet Read Free Page B

“Interested?”
    She nodded slowly. “Where is this place?”
    “I own a schooner docked in the harbor. All you have to do is say the word and we’ll take your fugitive there.”
    Her brilliant blue eyes were clear and direct in the flickering glow of the lighter. “And what word is that?” she asked quietly.
    His lips curved in a mocking smile. “Yes,” he said. “You only have to say yes to that proposition I put to you in the bar. Not a very high price to pay for your friend’s safety, is it?”
    She was very still for a moment. “No, not a very high price.” She turned away so he could see only her profile as she gazed tenderly down at the face of the unconscious man. “Cheap, really.”
    “Proposition?” Julio asked with a suspicious frown.
    “Don’t worry, Julio,” Kate said quietly. “The gentleman and I understand each other.”
    “But what kind of—”
    “I said it was okay.” Kate’s tone brooked no argument. “Forget it. We have more important things to be concerned about right now.” Her eyes met Beau’s. “All right. It’s a bargain.”
    “Good.” He felt a thrill of excitement out of all proportion to the victory he’d won. Excitement, he wondered cynically, or was it merely pure lust? Perhaps a little of both. “Now that we have that out of the way perhaps introductions are in order.” He inclined his head in a sketch of a bow. “Beau Lantry, at your service.”
    “Kate Gilbert. And this is Julio Rodriguez.”
    “And our inebriated friend?”
    Kate gently brushed a lank strand of hair from the unconscious man’s forehead. “Jeffrey Brenden.”
    “A relation?” He was feeling that same surge of unreasonable jealousy he’d known when she’d smiled at Despard in the bar.
    She shook her head. “No relation, just a friend.”
    “Well, I suggest we get your ‘friend’ to his safe and cozy berth.”
    “It’s too soon for Julio to move him yet. They might be spotted,” she said. “But I think we can go now.” She flicked him a cool glance. “I have a job to do before I leave Castellano. I want you to help me.”
    “The cache?” Julio asked, shaking his head.“It’s too dangerous, Kate. If you’re caught even near that place Despard’s men will kill you.”
    She ignored him, her gaze fixed with quiet challenge on Beau. “He’s right. It’s very dangerous. That should amuse you even more than what happened in the bar. Will you come with me?”
    “Is it illegal or just immoral?” Beau asked lightly.
    “Neither, except on Castellano. In fact, the U.S. Customs Service would probably give you a medal.” She smiled slightly. “We’re going to burn up about six million dollars’ worth of cocaine.”
    Beau gave a low whistle. “Well, I suppose I’ve got to protect my investment. Besides, I’ve always been fond of medals. I haven’t won one for years. I believe it’s time I tried my luck again.” He turned to Julio. “The schooner is called the
Searcher
. The captain is Daniel Seifert and all you have to do is tell him that Beau sent you. He’ll take it from there.”
    Julio frowned uncertainly. “He won’t ask any questions?”
    Beau shook his head. “He may be a little curious, but he won’t object. Daniel’s used to my way of doing things by now.”
    That clear blue gaze was on his face again, this time gravely searching. “And this type of thing isn’t all that unusual for you, is it? You like the excitement of skating on thin ice.”
    He suddenly chuckled. “Funny you should say that. I haven’t given a thought to skating for two years.” His lips quirked. “But I have to admit that thin ice definitely makes things more interesting.” He stood up and reached out his hand to pull her to her feet. “Shall we go and see if we can find some?”

T WO
    T HE GLOW FROM the streetlight at the end of the alley revealed that his eyes weren’t really brown as she’d first thought. They were hazel with odd golden flecks about the pupil that gave