Going Overboard Read Free Page B

out that much. It was the only way the assignment made sense. “Tell me about the woman. What do I need to know besides the fact that she's tight with the governor and his daughter?”
    “She's some sort of wunderkind shooting a series of commercials for the cruise line. She's got the creative talent to go way beyond commercials, I'm told.” Izzy shuffled through his stack of photographs and tugged one from the bottom of the pile. “I'd say she's one hot redhead.”
    “Redhead?” McKay felt a sinking sensation as he glanced at the photo. “With the temper to match,” he muttered.
    “You two have already met? Fast work, McKay. When and how?”
    “This morning. If you could call it a meeting. She made me a proposition she assumed I couldn't refuse,then turned huffy when I did just that. After things got rowdy near the pool, I saved her from being beaned with a volleyball. In return, she bit my head off. End of story.”
    “ 'Fraid not,” Izzy said. “You have to get close and stay close. Since you've met, you're halfway there.”
    “Are you telling me my duties involve personal services to Ms. Sullivan?” McKay demanded.
    “I'm telling you to make nice. Improvise. Find out what it takes to get close, then do it.”
    Not in this or any other lifetime
, McKay thought. Improvising was way down on his list of favorite things. He liked his work neat and clean, scripted by the book whenever possible. In missions filled with dangerous variables, going by the book was the only way to stay sane.
    And stay alive.
    “So what's the unofficial part of the assignment? We're not only here because of Brandon's request.”
    Izzy nodded. “We're to keep our eyes and ears open. If we find anything that doesn't add up, we're to report it immediately.”
    “Without knowing what we're looking for?”
    “That's all I have so far. Brandon's ticklish about revealing too much. Meanwhile, I understand the redhead has been looking for someone to fill in for her current model.”
    “How do you know that?”
    “Because she's been prowling every inch of the ship for hard bodies. Apparently no one has panned out yet.”
    “I did,” McKay said, torn between embarrassment and annoyance as another puzzle piece slid into place. She hadn't wanted a bed partner but a model. He might have been flattered if he weren't so damned furious at the direction the assignment was headed.
    “Pass Go and collect two hundred dollars, my friend. This will put you exactly where you need to be. There won't be any funny business. From what I hear, she's a workaholic with no time for games.”
    “Probably sleeps with a Palm Pilot.” McKay made a sound of disgust. “How did she get hooked up with the Brandons?”
    “She and Brandon's daughter were close at school, and they got closer after Carly's parents died. Brandon went through the process of legal adoption, and Carly still spends time in Santa Marina whenever she has a break in her schedule.”
    McKay thought of his summers shoveling manure in Wyoming and baby-sitting tourists with too much money and too little sense. Apparently Carolina Sullivan was used to the easy life. “Spoiled rich girl, if you ask me.”
    “Spoiled or not, she's your current assignment. Tell her you'll help in any way she needs. It's the easiest way to stay close to her right now.”
    “What if my face ends up plastered over prime time TV?” McKay scowled. “To say nothing of my near-naked body. That's not the kind of publicity the Navy enjoys.”
    “Go with the flow, McKay I'll check in with Washington about any security concerns with the photography. And look at it this way: If you ever get tired of working for Uncle Sam, you might have a whole new career going for you in daytime drama.”
    “The thought thrills the hell out of me.” McKay glared as Izzy's laptop beeped. “What now?”
    “Priority message from D.C.” Frowning, Izzy studied the message on his screen. “Looks like a glitch. Brandon's daughter left