Tortugas Rising Read Free Page B

that. Hey, you’re wet.”
    “I’m glad your watching out for me.”
    “What happened? You fall overboard?”
    “Never mind. Where are the suitcases?”
    “I’m not really sure. I gave them to some guy and that was several whiskeys ago.”
    “Great. I’m going to go stand on the bow until I dry out.”
    “I’ll join you. I could use a better view of the islands.”
    “Paul? If I was to ask you, as my self-appointed Director of Spending, what you thought of this investment. What would you say?”
    “Steve, it’s brand new dirt. They don’t make this stuff anymore. These islands are going to sell like mad. Forget all this ‘ImagiNation, your imagination is the limit’ crap, and you’ve still got a brand-new paradise, with the very large checks being made out, in part, to Steve Bennett of Delacroix Industries. With a friendly fraction going to me. Plus, it’s a great excuse to drink girlie drinks without feeling all gay.”
    “Just go find the suitcases and bring me another one of my fine new suits. And, tell Baxter I need to speak to him. I’ll be on the bow playing king of the world.” Steve took Paul’s drink from his hand and walked onto the deck.
    “There’s a bar right here Steve!” Paul ordered a fourth replacement whiskey from the bartender. “Some manners, huh Isaac?”
    “My name is Roger, sir.”
    “Of course it is, Isaac.”
     
    # # #
     
    The wind blew cold through his wet clothes. The whiskey was warm in his stomach. And the thought of a multi-billion dollar fortune in his name made him shiver. In the end he felt that they all balanced out.
    “Mr. Bennett?”
    Warren Baxter extended his hand; the smile on his face was broad and genuine. Bennett offered his hand in return.
    “Warren Baxter. I am delighted to finally meet you, Mr. Bennett.”
    “A pleasure, Mr. Baxter.”
    “Warren. I insist.”
    “If you say so, Warren.”
    “I do. I hear you wanted to speak to me. And, I wanted to speak with you, Mr. Bennett.”
    “Steve. I insist.”
    “Of course.”
    “I wanted to talk to you about Miss Bernelli.”
    “Yes. An unfortunate situation.”
    “I would prefer it if no action was taken against her.”
    “She did slap your friend.”
    “My friend deserved it.”
    Baxter smiled.
    “He told you the limerick, didn’t he?”
    Baxter nodded. “Vulgar but amusing.”
    “So you understand?”
    “Consider the matter closed.”
    “Thank you.”
    “No, thank you. Thank you for coming. Your last minute appearance was a pleasant surprise.”
    The conversation devolved into smiling and nodding. Steve was more uncomfortable than ever. He regretted that small talk was something he would have to learn.
    “It’s a nice boat. Ship?”
    “This is nothing. I actually got it off of eBay, would you believe it? An old ferry we had gutted and refurbished at the last moment. Actually, if you can keep a secret, some of the paint is still wet.
    “But, this ship is nothing compared to what you will see over the next couple of days. My dream of heaven on earth has come true on these islands. And you and the other investors have made it happen. I can’t thank you enough for that.”
    “It was my father’s investment. Not mine. Though I must say that I am beginning to get excited about it.”
    “I’m glad to hear it. I can’t wait for you to see it all. The resorts built here are the finest in the world. Rivaling any you may have stayed in.”
    “Well, I would hope so, since up until six months ago I was staying in Super 8’s or anything next to a Shoney’s.”
    “Right, I’m sorry. This must all still be a dream for you.”
    “It’s a little difficult to get used to. I’ve been kind of easing myself into the role of heir.”
    “My boy, you can’t ease yourself in. You have to jump right in. And tonight you will experience the lavish lifestyle you now deserve. The main resort of the central island has no equal. You’ll finally get a taste of the good life, Steve.”
    He forced a