The Lost Island

By K. M. Winthrop

A romantic week at a luxury resort on a secluded private island. Sun, sand, surf and romantic moonlight walks on the beach. Tracy Markous couldn’t imagine a more enjoyable vacation for her and her husband, Police Lieutenant Nick Markous. For the next seven days there was going to be absolutely no work. No emergencies. No midnight phone calls because there were no outside telephone lines on the island. Also no cell service. No Wi-Fi. And no television. Nothing to do but relax and enjoy their time together.
The perfect romantic getaway.
What she didn’t count on were the sinister shadows hiding under the bright sunshine. Conspiracies, missing husbands, and mobsters, were the last thing she expected—or wanted.
They certainly weren’t covered in the brochure.
As the body count began to climb, Nick evolved from relaxed resort guest to unofficial investigator. Nick the cop replaced Nick the husband.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798369404362

Book preview

The Lost Island

K. M. Winthrop

Copyright © 2023 by K. M. Winthrop.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 07/28/2023

Xlibris

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Contents

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XIV

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

Chapter XXI

Chapter I

Nick Marcous was surprised when he walked into the parking lot and realized his car wasn’t where he parked it. True, it had been a hell of a day and he had a lot on his mind but he was sure he parked in his assigned spot. Making a quick check, he confirmed the keys were in his pocket. He couldn’t imagine what might have happened to the damn car. He seriously doubted anyone would have the nerve to steal it from the parking lot of the Demens Point police station.

Still it was gone.

It didn’t take much imagination to envision the ribbing he’d take from his men when they heard he lost his car.

Now the fun begins, he thought wearily. I’m never going to live this one down.

Reluctantly, he turned to go back inside the building and report his car stolen.

Before he went more than a few steps a sporty pink Alpha Romeo pulled up beside him and an attractive blond leaned out the window.

Need a lift, handsome? she asked with a wink.

He walked around the car and slipped into the passenger’s seat.

She leaned across the console and kissed his cheek. He returned her caress although without his usual enthusiasm.

I sincerely hope you know where my car is, he grumbled.

He tossed his briefcase into the back seat and held on as she roared out of the parking lot.

I do, Sweetie. I had Dan bring it over to the garage to have it serviced and take out that little ding you put in the fender last week.

Nick breathed a sigh of relief, although he had to admit he was less concerned about his car than he was with the ribbing he’d get from his men. The car was insured. His reputation as a police lieutenant and their supervisor wasn’t.

Considerate of you, Honey, but what am I supposed to do for a car in the meantime? I refuse to drive this one. Somehow rolling up to a crime scene in a car that resembles a puff pastry might call my sanity into question.

She giggled as the outrageous image flashed before her eyes.

Oh, I love it. But you won’t need a car for the next week. Just sit back and accept the inevitable. You’re going to be ravished.

"I’m going to be what?"

"Ravished, Agapiti. According to Webster the definition is: one - to seize or be carried off by force; two - to be raped; three - to be filled with a great joy or delight. We’re working on definition number one right now. You’re being carried off and I trust too much force won’t be necessary. I think we can forget about definition two. That one’s totally unnecessary since whenever that particular subject comes up you’re all too willing. So we’ll skip to number three. We can get started on that one later tonight.

Number three is my favorite, Nick. It’s also unavoidable so you might just as well sit back and enjoy it.

He agreed. Sounds fantastic. In fact I might just do a little ravishing myself.

Why you naughty boy! Okay, we’ll take turns. I can’t wait to get started.

I was about to say, but unfortunately I had one hell of a day today and I have to work tomorrow so we can’t pull an all nighter. Plus, he stated firmly. I definitely need my car.

"No you don’t. Mike told me you didn’t have anything really pressing right now. He’s going to cover for you for the next three days. The two days after that you’re scheduled off and Mike arranged for two vacation days after that. That gives us seven days. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, Agapiti, but I think Mike and the rest of the squad will be glad to get you out of their hair for an entire week."

That goes without saying. What about the kids?

"Irene will take care of them. When I talked to her about this she was all for it. She acted like she’ll be glad to get me out of her hair as well. Plus I promised the kids when we got back we’d all go on a family vacation. Any other questions, Lieutenant?"

One. Where is all this ravishing supposed to take place?

That’s the best part. I found this fantastic resort on a private island in the Bahamas. They advertise it as a romantic getaway for couples only. It just opened a few weeks ago and the initial reviews are fantastic. You can only get there by plane so we’re heading for the airport now. Take off is in three hours.

By plane? Tracy, I don’t suppose it occurred to you that I happen to be carrying and TSA frowns on that. No way can I leave my gun unsupervised, locked in the car for a week.

I thought of that too. The resort has it’s own private plane. I doubt they have the same level of security as commercial airlines.

He sat back, watching the scenery flash by. He understood Tracy’s desire for a quick getaway. The last few months had been hectic. Hectic at work after he uncovered evidence that the captain of detectives was also the head of the local crime syndicate. Hectic at home due to his and Tracy’s recent marriage. Helping Irene and his kids adjust to their new family situation and living arrangements had been a major effort. He was reluctant to admit it, not to himself and certainly not to Tracy, but he was stressed out as well.

He couldn’t help but notice Tracy was spending a lot of time in her studio recently. True, the reason could be that she was a talented artist who was just awarded a major commission requiring a lot of her time. At least he hoped that was the reason. But he was well aware how difficult the adjustment must have been for her. She was younger than he was, only twenty five. Not only did she marry into a ready made family with two children, she also fell heir a live in sister-in-law who was a depressing, controlling, irascible spinster. Moreover, she was not his sister. Irene was the sister of his late wife. For two years after Mary died she was his housekeeper and caregiver to his children.

She was now a sister-in-law who was feeling displaced and unnecessary.

Nick told himself a few days at an upscale resort might be just what they needed.

Casually, he asked, Is there any particular reason you suddenly decided we had to get away for a few days? I hope the kids haven’t been getting on your nerves. I know they can be a handful sometimes.

"No. Not at all. I adore the kids, you know that. Irene is the one who can be a handful sometimes but believe it or not, I’ve actually managed to come to terms with her. I think détente is the correct term.

And, most important, I love you, Nick. I love being married to you.

But—?

She laughed at his quizzical expression.

No buts. No exceptions. And definitely no qualifiers. Marrying you was the smartest thing I ever did. But you’ve been working such long hours. When you finally get home you’re exhausted. If you even get home that is. You need a rest. And I’m going to make sure you get one.

Excuse me, Tracy. I think what I just heard was a but.

"That wasn’t a qualifier. That was a concern. For the next seven days there’s going to be absolutely no work. No emergencies. There aren’t going to be any midnight phone calls because there are no outside telephone lines on the island. Also no cell service, no Wi-Fi and no television. There’s absolutely nothing for us to do but relax and enjoy ourselves.

"This is a great place, Agapiti. You’ll love it. The resort is on a beautiful beach and the water is crystal clear. Great for swimming and perfect for snorkeling. All the guests have private cottages with a walled patio and a gorgeous hot tub that’s just perfect for a little skinny dipping. The best part is, I’m going to have you all to myself."

Sounds incredible. It also sounds expensive.

I know. When I read the brochure I was sure the cost would be out of sight. But it’s really reasonable.

Reasonable for your side of town or reasonable for us common folk?

Well, let’s say midway, she giggled. Just consider it your birthday present.

"This is May, Tracy. My birthday isn’t until the middle of January.

Okay, our anniversary.

It will be one unbelievable year in August.

I meant the anniversary of when we first met.

February. And your birthday isn’t until November so don’t even go there.

Damn it, Nick, that’s not fair. Other women get away with all kinds of stuff. But not me. No. I had to marry a walking calendar.

Let me get this straight. Most women get ticked off because their husbands forget their anniversaries and birthdays. You got ticked off because I remember?

He laughed and pointed to a light that just turned red.

I suggest you slow down a bit and pay a little more attention to definition one, carrying me off by force. You’ve done a pretty good job of it so far but if you wrap us around a tree we’ll never get there. I hope you know I’m really looking forward to number three.

He leaned back in the seat and tried to stretch his long legs in the Alpha’s limited leg room. He was tall, slightly over six feet, broad shouldered but slender across the hips and athletically built. His classic Grecian features were strong and well-formed, a high forehead over arched brows, high cheekbones, and a wide, determined jaw line. His deep set eyes were black and heavily lashed. In a less rugged face, they might have been described as pretty. His hair, which was also jet black, was a bit too wavy to suit his taste and slightly longer than average for a man of his age, making him appear younger than his thirty seven years.

Tracy was right. He had been working too hard. He proved Captain Darius Chandler, his boss, was the head of a crime syndicate and responsible for several murders, including the witness Nick had been assigned to protect. After Chandler was arrested Nick was offered the position, supervising the city’s five detective squads, which included a promotion to captain. But although he turned the job down, the office remained vacant Nick was currently pulling double duty, administering his own squad plus overseeing the other four squads. The result was juggling the requirements of the department with the needs of his family.

He definitely needed some down time as well as some time alone with Tracy.

Just the two of them.

A week at a luxury resort was beginning to look better and better.

When they arrived at the airport, Tracy skirted the main terminal and turned on to a frontage road that circled the row of offices and hangers reserved for private aircraft. When she reached a building with a sign indicating the ‘Lost Island Resort’ she pulled into the parking area. Immediately two young men dressed in white Bermuda shorts, white knee high stockings, and flowered, native shirts hurried to the car. One man opened Tracy’s door. After assisting her from the car he took her place behind the wheel and popped the trunk. The second man opened the passenger’s door for Nick before he stepped to the rear of the car to remove their luggage.

"Welcome to Lost Island Resort, the first man greeted in a soft Bahamian accent. Your romantic getaway begins here. We will see to your luggage and your vehicle will be parked in our secure, undercover, parking facility."

He took the concierge ignition key Tracy handed him and gestured toward a doorway that was recessed behind a flowered arch.

Please step into our welcome center.

The instant they entered, a man stepped from behind a desk that was located under a sign stating, ‘Welcome to the Lost Island Resort!’ and he walked over to greet them.

Mr. and Mrs. Marcous, we are so pleased to welcome you. Our pilot is completing the preflight check of our aircraft and your flight to our island getaway will leave shortly. Please have a seat in our welcome area and enjoy a complementary beverage while you wait.

He escorted them through another flowered arch into a pleasant, dimly lit waiting area. There were three tables covered with bright yellow linens. A small spray of live flowers was in the center of each table. In place of chairs the seating was a settee upholstered in teal blue, the perfect size for a couple to share. The walls of the room were painted off white and decorated with colorful Junkanoo carnival masks. In the background, Goombay, the native music of the Bahamas, was softly playing.

Two of the tables were already occupied.

They sat down at the third table.

A small bar stood at one side of the room, tended by an attractive young woman. Her black hair was pulled back from her face with a circlet of flowers and fell to her shoulders in soft waves. She was dressed in a sarong type dress that showed her exceptional assets to their best advantage. As soon as they sat down she hurried over to their table with their drinks, frothy pink beverages in stemmed glasses. A plastic sword with two cherries and an edible lavender orchid attached lay across the top of each glass.

This is a bit over the top, isn’t it? Nick whispered.

Somewhat I have to admit. But with what they charge I guess they think the clientele expects it. Get with the program, Sweetie. Relax and enjoy it. If you think you’re being pampered now, wait until you see what I have planned for you tonight.

Okay but I refuse to go on a diet of flowers. Can you imagine what the guys at the office would say if they saw this?

Nick took the sword off the glass and set it on the table.

Spoil sport, she chided.

Not bad, he admitted, sipping his drink. I sincerely hope the over abundance of rum isn’t a reflection on the pilot’s flying ability.

Tracy ignored his remark. She sipped her drink and, setting it on the table, she leaned back, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before she rested her head on his shoulder. He took the hint beautifully an slipped his arm around her.

Always the detective, Nick studied the other two couples.

The first couple was older. The man was small in stature and a bit on the scrawny side with receding gray hair. Dignified and well dressed, he was probably in his early fifties. Apparently he was also a sugar daddy, Nick decided when he observed the woman he was with. She was younger, about thirty five. Her florescent red hair appeared to be fresh from the bottle and was stylishly swept up on her head. She was tall, angular, and expensively dressed, although her outfit was a bit too flashy for the occasion. She was definitely not his wife. The body language was all wrong. He was staid and somewhat haughty in manner. She was too attentive, fussing over him, trying to feed him the cherries from their drinks—much to the man’s embarrassment.

Nick couldn’t help but wonder what excuse the man gave his wife for his absence over the next few days.

The other couple was obviously a honeymoon couple. Stylishly dressed but not upscale. They were both in their mid twenties, olive complected with wavy black hair and dark eyes. He was tall and well built. She was medium height, very shapely and very pretty. Hispanic, he thought. They made good use of their settee. If they were sitting any closer together she would have been on his lap. They were cuddling and whispering together as well as doing a bit of intimate touching, totally unmindful that anyone else was in the room. Somehow Nick doubted they’d see much of them during their getaway, not that he blamed the guy.

He doubted people would see that much of him and Tracy either.

And for the same reason.

I thought we agreed you were going to leave your work at the office, Tracy chided.

Habit, he answered. The redhead looks familiar but I’ll be damned if I can place her.

He nodded toward the young couple.

That guy is wearing a Rolex and I don’t believe the size of that girl’s diamond.

Before Tracy could respond they were startled to hear a loud crash in the welcome area and a door slammed. Angry voices, one American and one Bahamian broke the silence. The words were loud although, with the exception of a few extremely precise four letter words, somewhat garbled. Nick started to get to his feet but Tracy caught his arm.

Relax, Darling. You’re off duty, remember? Plus this isn’t your jurisdiction.

Like them, the other two couples turned toward the disturbance. The Hispanic man stood up and started toward the welcome area but before he took more than a few steps, the bartender hurried over and closed the door. It didn’t completely muffle the sound of heated voices but it did quiet them. When the girl returned to the bar she turned up the music.

There is no concern, she informed them in her lyrical Bahamian accent. Just a small problem, I think. A car struck our gate so now they discuss it. Please enjoy your drinks. The preflight on our plane has been completed. The pilot has requested a departure slot and we will enplane as soon as it is received.

The argument in the welcome area continued for several minutes accompanied by the sounds of a scuffle until a third voice was added to the mix. He was also an American and his voice had an authoritative in tone. The argument stopped as suddenly as it started. Looking relieved the bartender hurried to each of the tables with another round of drinks.

A short time later a door at the far side of the room opened and a man wearing a white steward’s uniform entered the room.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you will follow me please, we are ready to depart.

He led them out to the tarmac where a Phenom 300 was warming up. The plane was sleek and beautiful, a six passenger jet with an engine behind each wing. It was painted a lovely shade of pale lavender and on each side of the fuselage a colorful logo with pair of brightly colored parrots proclaimed, Lost Island Resort. The door to the cabin opened from the top and, dropping down to the tarmac, it created airstairs to enter the plane.

Much to Nick’s relief they didn’t have to pass through a security screening. They weren’t even required to show their ID’s. A steward simply stood at the bottom of the steps, greeted each passenger by name, and assisted them as they boarded.

The interior of the plane was also custom designed. The seats were not positioned in a line of three seats on either side of a narrow aisle. Instead the aisle ran next to the portside windows and the seats were positioned side by side creating three rows beside the starboard windows, allowing the couples to sit together.

The last couple to enter, Nick and Tracy took the rear seat. Tracy sat next to the window because even on a luxury plane like the Phenom, the leg room was a bit too limited for Nick’s long legs.

She was looking out the window as they taxied away from the hanger toward the runway. Suddenly she grabbed Nick’s arm and in a hushed voice she gasped, Nick. That man!

She pointed toward the hanger where two men wearing Bahamian shirts were dragging a man across the tarmac. He was obviously an American and he appeared to be restrained. When they reached a small aircraft they forced him inside and slammed the hatch.

Nick turned but due to the progression of their plane he wasn’t able to see the man, only the small plane, a twin engine piper Apache. As he watched, the plane’s propellers began to turn as it warmed up for take off. The logo on the side of the plane simply said LIR.

LIR, he mused. "Lost Island Resort. Are you sure the man was restrained?"

Positive. He was kind of slumped over, too. Like he wasn’t really conscious. Nick, do you think he is the man we heard arguing in the welcome area.

Possible.

He slipped his phone out of his pocket and typed a quick text to Will, detailing the argument they overheard and the man Tracy saw, advising him to have Aviation Security check the plane. But when he clicked send nothing happened. A quick glance told him that there were no bars on his phone.

He handed it to Tracy.

No signal here, probably due to all the high tech electronics in the area. See if you can get a picture of that plane’s ‘N’ number.

She held the phone up to the window. Just as she snapped the picture the steward leaned across the seat.

We are preparing for take off, Ma’am. All electronics must be shut down.

Of course, she smiled. I’m sorry. I just wanted to snap a picture of your offices. All the flowers and everything are so pretty. I wanted a shot of them for our getaway album.

She shut the phone down, hopefully before the steward saw the picture, and handed it to Nick.

Shortly after the plane was in the air and out of the immediate vicinity of the airport, Nick turned to Tracy and took her in his arms. She picked up his cue and returning his embrace, giggling appropriately. Nick was aware the steward was watching them but he was sure the man couldn’t see what he was doing. When he fired up his phone there was only one bar, a seriously weak signal, but he resent both the text and the picture to his office before he quickly shut the phone down again.

He could only hope his office would receive them.

The flight was uneventful. Soft Goombay music played in the background while the steward plied the passengers with alcohol. However Nick and Tracy declined further Bahama Mamas and requested coffee instead. The steward was unable to comply.

The other couples, however took full advantage of the beverage service and the rum flowed freely. The young Latinos who were seated in the front seat got more and more romantic as their alcohol level increased. If the flight was any longer, Nick thought, they might commence their honeymoon right there on the plane. Fortunately it was only a ninety minute flight.

The older couple was seated in the center seat, just in front of them. The man held his liquor fairly well and did practice some restraint, only consuming one drink for every two of his partner’s. However the woman grew quite tipsy. Her voice rose and she laughed inanely every time the man spoke to her. By the time the plane entered it’s landing pattern her words were badly slurred. She tried to nestle close to him, alternately nuzzling his neck and kissing his cheek. When her partner seemed embarrassed and somewhat irritated, spurning her advances she pouted like a petulant child.

I doubt we’ll spend too much time socializing with our fellow guests, Nick murmured under his breath. Fortunately, we’ll have better things to do.

Tracy didn’t respond but from the expression on her face Nick knew she agreed.

When the plane landed they were greeted by a six passenger, open air Volkswagen golf cart. The driver, who was also dressed in a steward’s uniform assisted them down the airstairs and led them across the tarmac to the cart.

It will just be a short trip to the main lodge, he informed them. You will be able to check in and receive your cottage keys. There will also be a brief presentation to give you information on our resort. When you arrive at your cottage you will find your luggage has already been delivered.

They were pleased when they arrived at the lodge. It was a stately two story structure of sparkling white stone, built in the style of the old colonial estates. The central portion of the building was recessed behind a wide, decoratively tiled terrace and wings extended from either side of the building,. Several steps led from the terrace to a small white stone portico and formal doors of natural brown wood. There were stately white columns on either side of the entrance that supported a decorative second floor balcony. Bahamian shutters, also of natural brown wood, framed all the windows creating a beautiful contrast. Between the wings, the terrace leading to the doors was planted with royal palms and flowering plants grew in a carefully landscaped garden.

To the rear of the lodge, carefully landscaped to avoid creating an eyesore for the guests was the generator that provided electricity to the resort. A short distance from the lodge a smaller building, built in the same décor as the lodge, probably contained necessary supplies.

The road from the landing strip was to the west of the lodge with only a narrow strip of undeveloped beach and the ocean beyond it. A grassy park with a scallop shaped pool lay to the east. The park was ringed with landscaped gardens and flowering trees, royal poincianas laden with red orange blossoms and purple and white orchid trees, also in full bloom. The park was dotted with green benches set along meandering sett stone paths.

A sett stone path leading from the lodge to the guest cottages ran between hibiscus hedges with varying colored blossoms. When it reached the beach it intersected with a boardwalk that provided access to twelve picturesque guest cottages that were strung out along the coast line. Each cottage was painted a different pastel color starting with pink at cottage number one and, reflecting the colors of the rainbow, ending with pale lavender at number twelve.

Their cottage was number four. Painted an attractive pale salmon, it was exactly as the brochure described it. The front door opened onto a pleasant sitting area with a comfortable couch an two matching chairs. There was a low coffee table in front of the couch and an end table with a decorative lamp beside each chair. A writing desk had an intercom phone that connected to the lodge. A wet bar with a cooler and coffee service completed the furnishings.

The front of the living area as well one side of the room were glassed in by one way picture windows and French doors. The front doors opened onto a stone terrace that faced a beautiful beach. A second set of doors opened onto a lovely, open air, patio, furnished with a wicker table and chairs. A whirlpool bath on one side was the perfect size for a couple and the high walls that surrounded the patio insured privacy. At the rear of the sitting room an archway a opened onto a opulent bedroom with a king sized bed and a luxurious bathroom.

Sit, Tracy ordered Nick when they walked into the cottage. I know you must be starving but I want to get our things unpacked before everything gets wrinkled. It’ll only take me a minute and they we’ll go up to the lodge for dinner.

Can I help you with something?

I appreciate the gesture, Darling, but I’ll probably get everything done a lot faster if I don’t have to trip over your big feet. It might be a good idea for you to stash your gun though. There’s a small safe in the bedroom. It should be secure enough.

Good idea. Somehow I doubt I’ll need it.

He put his gun into the safe along with their passports, cell phones and wallets. Cash wouldn’t be needed because, as on a cruise ship, everything would be charged to their keycards.

0817, he told her as he shut the door. I trust you’ll be able to remember that code.

Our anniversary? Of course.

She looked at him critically and advised, Change your clothes, Sweetie. You need resort casual and you’re wearing detective squad stuffy.

Will I have time for a shower?

Solo, yes. If I join you we might not make it to the dining room until breakfast—or lunch.

Sounds interesting but let’s satisfy one appetite at a time. We’ll have all night to work on the other one and I have a feeling I’m going to need my strength.

They walked into the lodge where, like everything else at the resort, they were impressed by both its design and functionality. The central section of the lodge housed the administrative offices. The wing on the left side held a well appointed dining room as well at the food preparation facilities. In the right wing there was a comfortable lounge with a small casino tucked off to one side.

Instead of going into the dining room, they stopped at the resort office desk.

The phones in the cottages don’t have outside lines, Nick told the clerk. I really need to call home and check on my kids. Do you have a phone I can use?

He looked up at Nick, a bored expression on his face.

The whole concept of this resort is to get out of the fast lane and relax.

Right. And it’s exactly what I intend to do. But I really have to make this call. We left Florida before my son was home from school. I have to make sure he’s safe and where he’s supposed to be. You know how it is. As soon as I’m sure he’s okay I’ll get with the program.

Yes, of course, Sir.

The desk clerk handed him the phone and Nick keyed in the number. When Irene answered, speaking in Greek, he asked, Have you heard from Mike?

She answered in the same language.

Yes, Nick. From the way he talked it sounds like you’re concerned about something. You and Tracy were supposed to be on a little vacation. Is there something wrong?

"No, everything’s fine. What did Mike have to say?’

He said the plane you asked about filed a flight plan to Nassau but didn’t land there. The pilot contacted Nassau tower and said they were making a non-emergency landing at a private air strip instead. Mike also said there was no missing person report on a man answering the description of the man in question. He said they would keep their eyes open in case something turns up.

Thanks, that’s what I needed. We’ll be home in a few days. If you need anything, just call my office and one of my men will help out. Put the kids on so Tracy and I can say hello.

When the call was finished, they walked down the hallway toward the dining room slowly so Nick could fill Tracy in on the conversation.

They have a lot of landing strips on these private islands but I’ll give you odds this is the one where the plane landed, he concluded.

Then why wouldn’t they just file a plan for this island?

Probably because they didn’t want the plane traced here. If you’re right and the man was brought here against his will, they wouldn’t want to advertise it. No doubt when the plane leaves they’ll just make a quick hop to Nassau and to gas up and they’ll file a flight plan back to the states from there. I think I’ll do a little nosing around tomorrow.

"You most certainly will not do any nosing around. We’re on vacation, remember? In order to get that information your office must have been in touch with the Bahamians. If there’s a problem I’m sure they’re capable of handling it without your help. The dining room is that way, Nick, and we are going to sit down for a nice, relaxing dinner."

Like the rest of the resort, the dining room was lavishly decorated and spotless. There were six tables in the room with formal place settings of delicate china on white linen table cloths. A spray of cut flowers was in the center of the tables. Each table was set up to seat two couples.

They were met at the door by a waiter who escorted them to the table they would be sharing with the young Latino couple.

They were happy to note that the other couple from their flight, the business man and his harpy, were seated on the opposite side of the room.

The couple introduced themselves as Alberto and Adelita Morales and they were, as Nick suspected, on their honeymoon. Alberto’s interests appeared to be sports and the stock market. Other than Chris’ little league team Nick wasn’t really into sports and he left the stock market to Tracy. He was also reluctant to discuss his job. Somehow, ‘I’m a cop,’ tends to inhibit people. That limited their conversation to the weather, their fellow guests, and the resort in general. Tracy and Lita on the other hand were the same age. Before the meal was over they were discussing their weddings and married life in general, as well as Tracy’s first attempts at motherhood, giggling together like long lost friends.

Deciding to skip the evenings social activity, a meet and greet cocktail party, they returned to their cottage immediately after dinner. Nick led Tracy out onto the patio and dimmed the lights.

Let the ravishing to begin, he announced in a soft voice.

He drew her close to him and kissed her while, gently, he unbuttoned her blouse. As he eased the blouse down over her arms he unhooked her bra and let them fall to the floor together. She unbuttoned his shirt at the same time and, reaching inside she pressed her breasts against his chest as her slacks and panties fell to the floor. Moments later, his clothes joined them. Kissing her, he took her in his arms and he stepped into the hot tub. As their tongues touched they pressed their bodies together while the gently bubbling water flowed around them.

This is like the first time you let me make love to you, he whispered. I wanted you that night, more than I ever wanted a woman. And after I made love to you that night, I never wanted another woman.

He caressed her breasts as he kissed her, and a shiver of pleasure swept through him when she tenderly stroked his erection.

That night was amazing, she whispered. When you touched me, when you moved inside me, the sensations that swept through me were like nothing I ever felt before. That was the night I found out how wonderful it was to make love. Now, every time you make love to me, it’s just as amazing as it was that first time.

She pressed her body against his.

"Make love to me, Agapiti. Hold me. Touch me. I love the way I feel when you touch me. Thelo to peos sou mesha mia."

"And to peos mia comes alive when he’s inside you. For that matter he comes alive whenever he’s near you."

He picked her up, settling her on the floor beside the hot tub, and he knelt down beside her. Looking at her body always excited him.

She was stunning. Small in statue, her honey blond hair fell past her shoulders in soft waves, framing a fair, porcelain complexion usual to blonds. Her eyes were the color of semi-sweet chocolate and shaded by long dark lashes. Her breasts were beautiful. Firm and well rounded, crowned by enticing pink nipples that begged to be kissed. Her slender waist broadened to rounded hips, a flat stomach, and a tantalizing triangle of golden curls that pointed the way.

Nick kissed each breast enjoying her reaction when his tongue flicked across a nipple that was already erect with anticipation. Caressing the swell of her breast with one hand his other hand moved down her body. When it reached the softness of her curls she relaxed her thighs, allowing his exploring fingers to caress her.

That feels so good, she whispered.

Nick felt the pressure building up inside him.

"My beautiful love, omorfi agapi mia, I need you."

He slipped his hands under her