The Bridal Bouquet
“Oh, great. The dad card,” Dante mumbled in Dylan’s direction.
“I don’t know why this is such a burden for you boys. It’s not like I ask anything else of you.”
“I take your car for an oil change every five thousand miles,” Deke pointed out.
“I still cut the grass, even though I’ve offered to pay a lawn service to do it,” Dante added.
“And I call you every week,” Dylan said.
All heads turned to Derrick. “I got nothing.”
“That’s because you cheat,” Deke told him.
“That’s enough,” their mother proclaimed. “I know you are all adults. And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate every one of you.” She eyed Derrick. “Even you.”
Deke punched him in the arm.
“But this year is different. I was asked to give a workshop and I’ve accepted. It’s my first public-speaking event and I need moral support.”
Derrick brightened up, the first of the brothers to cross the room and hug their mother. “Awesome news, Mom.”
“Congrats,” Dylan said, his heart softening as he viewed his mother’s teary eyes. He thought her wiping away a fake tear was a little much, but it was the way Jasmine Matthews worked.
“I promise after this year I won’t ask any of you to tag along with me. Aunt Betty has expressed an interest, especially since Uncle Frank is going to retire. She can come with me next year.”
Dylan was about to throw out an excuse for not attending this year when his cell rang. He slipped it from his pocket, frowning when the division office number appeared on the screen.
“Can’t this wait?” his mother asked, a reprimand in her voice.
He held up the phone. “The office. I should see what they want.”
She nodded and turned her attention back to the captive audience. He eased open the sliding door, stepping onto the balcony. The temperature had dipped with the impending night and a heady breeze kicked up. Dylan pulled the collar of his jacket closer to his neck. “Matthews.”
“Dylan, it’s Tom Bailey. I’ve got some news I think you should hear.”
“I’m at a family wedding. Can’t it wait?”
“It’s about Esposa.”
The man who’d disappeared after killing Eddie. Dylan had searched high and low, as had other law-enforcement agencies, but the dealer disappeared underground. No one had seen or heard from him since.
Anger burned in Dylan’s chest. “What have you got?”
“A buddy of mine in Tampa is on a joint task force with local police departments. He heard about what went down with Esposa. One of his contacts made a positive sighting.”
“Where?”
“Just outside of Tampa. I remembered you said you’d be near there, so I’m giving you a heads-up.”
In his research, Dylan had learned that Esposa had family in the Tampa area, but after having the local district office keep a watch on them, the agents hadn’t found any evidence to corroborate that Esposa had relocated there. Esposa was able to lie low in a place the DEA wouldn’t know of because he’d built a loyal network of people who would hide him indefinitely. But maybe Dylan had caught a break.
Cypress Pointe was only forty-five minutes outside of Tampa. Dylan needed to act on the tip.
“Thanks, Tom. I owe you.”
“Pizza and a round of pool should make us even.”
“Deal.”
Dylan ended the call and slipped the phone back in his pocket. He wrapped his fingers around the cold metal balcony railing. The breeze cooled his heated face. Finally. This was his chance to make Esposa pay. Time to get justice for Eddie.
Except he couldn’t allow Esposa to have any inkling he was here. If the dealer caught wind that Dylan had received a credible tip, he’d take off. Dylan might not have an opportunity like this again. He had to play this smart or his chances of catching the guy would again drop to zero. He needed to hang around and come up with a strategy.
His brothers’ laughter pulled him from his thoughts. He went back into the room. Being here with his family, seeing them safe and healthy, made his chest hurt. Since living in Miami, he’d been too far away from them. The wedding had been a worthwhile reason to reconnect. He’d missed sparring with his brothers, missed the creative ways their mother found to keep her sons active in her life.
It also reminded him this was why he did the work he did. To keep families, like his and so many others, safe from dealers who cared about only money and power.
“Excellent,” his mother said. “You’re back. I was just telling your brothers about my workshop. It’s all about making the bride imagine what she needs for her special day, not necessarily what she wants. I’ve found...”
Dylan pulled Derrick to the corner of the room, his gaze glued to his mother while he asked, “You still have the fake two-headed coin?”
“I’m not saying anything without a lawyer.”
“Chill. You want to get out of convention duty?”
Derrick eyed him suspiciously. “Of course.”
“Then let me flip the coin. I need to stay in town.”
“Are you crazy? Still on pain meds?”
“No. I have a lead on Esposa.”
His brother stilled.
“He’s close, Derrick. I have to stick around and see what I can dig up. The convention will be a great cover.”
“I don’t know, Dyl. Are you up to this?”
“I haven’t thought of anything else since I woke up after surgery and found out Eddie was gone.”
“I get it, but you’re too close, man. And your bosses wouldn’t go for it.”
“Esposa’s been in the wind too long. It’s now or never.”
Derrick went quiet. Mulling it over? No matter what his brother decided, Dylan was sticking around Cypress Pointe until he got some answers.
“I don’t like it, but okay. You need backup?”
“Not yet.”
“I’ll only give you the coin if you promise to keep me in the loop. Call if you need anything.”
Dylan hated to get anyone else involved. This entire mess was on him and he intended to keep it like that.
“I can do that,” he assured his brother. “And another thing. Keep this between us. I don’t want going after Esposa to turn into a family affair. He’s mine.”
Derrick nodded.
“We’re good?” Dylan asked.
“We’re good,” his brother answered.
His mother turned her gaze toward him. “What are you two whispering about over there?”
“It’s nothing, Mom,” he replied. “Your workshop sounds exciting.”
Dante coughed.
“It is.” She stood, glancing at the gold-and-diamond wristwatch their father had given her on their last anniversary. “You boys have until tomorrow to decide who will attend the conference with me. Now, go back to your rooms and get changed. We’re meeting your aunt and uncle down at the beach in twenty minutes. They tell me the bonfire is lots of fun.” She took a long moment to glance at Dylan. “We don’t get together much anymore, so let’s enjoy ourselves.”
Dylan and his brothers filed out of the room. In the hallway, with the door closed and their conversation out of their mother’s earshot, Deke blurted, “When do we flip?”
Derrick pulled out a coin and flicked it in the air. “How about right now?”
“Not until we check the coin.” Dante reached out to grab it.
“Wait. Let me.” Dylan snatched the coin in midair and made a show of looking it over, first one side, then the other. “We’re good. Dante, you and Derrick go first.”
“Heads,” Dante called.
Dylan flipped the coin, and when it landed back in his hand, he said, “Heads. You’re out, Dante.”
His brother let out a long, relieved breath.
“Okay, Derrick and Deke.”
“Heads,” Deke called before Dylan tossed the coin. Again he read the face when it landed in his hand.
“Sorry, man. Derrick is safe.”
Derrick backed away. “Don’t ever punch me again.”
Dante snickered.
“Get it over with. Heads,” Deke said, pain etched on his face.
Just for fun, Dylan stretched out the suspense. “One. Two. Hey, Deke, did Mom really make you follow her around with the flower bucket last year?”
Deke glared at him. “Do it.”
Dylan chuckled. “Three.”
He sent the coin in the air. Four sets of eyes watched it twirl, each brother holding his breath at the outcome. Dylan captured the coin in his fist and snatched it to his chest. Opening his hand, he looked down. Closed his eyes.
“Well?” Deke asked.
Dylan held the coin up between his thumb and forefinger. “Heads. I lose.”
Deke slumped against the wall, clearly relieved. “You guys kill me.”
“Guess I have convention duty this year. Wish me luck,” Dylan told them.
Deke straightened. “It’s not so bad.”
Dylan lifted a brow.
“Okay, it is, but you’re injured. I wanted to cut you some slack.”
“I’m a big boy. I can handle anything Mom throws my way.”
“Be careful what you say,” Deke warned.
“At least this is the last coin toss,” Derrick said. “After this convention, we’re free men.”
“Until Mom decides she wants daughters-in-law,” Dante pointed out. “I saw her searching the crowd during the wedding. She’s already making plans.”
Deke shook his head. “Just shoot me now.”
Normally Dylan would agree with his brothers, but an image of the pretty florist he’d met at the wedding flashed across his mind. He blinked, surprised at the pleasure it brought him. He just as quickly shook it off. He was a long way from wedding bells. Until he put Esposa behind bars, nothing else, including a woman, came first in his life.
CHAPTER THREE
IT DIDN’T TAKE Dylan long to get the ball rolling. Knowing Esposa might be near infused him with an energy he’d been lacking. He had to do something now, because waiting was no longer an option. Closing the book on Esposa meant moving on with his life.
The beach teemed with locals enjoying the wintery Saturday night. The bonfire burned bright, the wood crackling as the steady wind kept it stoked. His brothers had spread out among family and friends, sharing their brand of humor and chatting up the fine people of Cypress Pointe. Dylan stood alone, dwelling on his next move.
A hoot of laughter caught his attention. Derrick, holding court. He wished he could laugh as easily, but his mind was elsewhere and his thigh ached in the cold air. He chose to ignore it, focusing instead on the prospect of nailing Esposa.
When his mind started going around in circles, he finally entered the merry group, hands jammed deep in his pockets. After asking a couple of leading questions, his uncle pointed out the police chief, Bob Gardener. The older, stocky man lingered on the edge of the gathering, dressed in his official uniform, obviously on duty. Dylan made his way over, gritting his teeth as he tried not to limp, and introduced himself, mentioning his agency and title.
“Your office gave me a heads-up,” the chief said.
“Already?”
“We’re with the joint task force,” he explained, directing a no-nonsense look at Dylan. “They made sure to let me know you aren’t active in the field at this moment.”
“I’m not. I came to town for my cousin’s wedding, but I can’t ignore it when a suspected big-time drug dealer might be in the area.”
The chief nodded. “Figured as much.”
“Do you have information you can share with me?”
“First, I have to establish whether this is this coming from you in an official capacity or personal interest. I know this guy shot you and your partner.”
“Esposa. Yes.”
News traveled fast in the law-enforcement world, but he didn’t blame the chief for asking. Finding Esposa was a personal matter, as well as a professional one, and the chief had a right to know. Dylan had already spoken to his superior since the call from Tom. He was on leave, but they could command him not to nose around, though how would they stop him? The unspoken code was that Dylan had better be discreet, and if he did indeed find Esposa, he better not play cowboy and go after him alone. Dylan had been a field agent long enough to know that the hero always died, except in the movies. He was part of a team for a reason and would call upon them if needed.
“It’s both, personal and private, at this point. Is that a problem?”
“Not as long as we follow protocol. Until your supervisor says otherwise, you have limited authority in my jurisdiction, but if we find the guy you’re looking for, I’d like to work together.”
“I intend to.”
The chief regarded him once again, sizing up the man who’d come into his town requesting information. Dylan didn’t like it, but he understood. He didn’t always play well with others, but in this case he’d liaise with local law enforcement to a T. Esposa wasn’t going to get away because Dylan went rogue.
“We’ve had activity at the marina,” the chief revealed, having made sure they were far enough away from the crowd so no one would overhear. “Usually we get an influx of weekend tourists who dock and head into town to shop or visit the restaurants. The locals keep their boats moored there. But lately there have been vessels coming in and out that are suspicious.”
“How so?”
“Idling in during the early morning hours. Docking for short periods of time. Definitely not tourists.”
“What can you tell me about the marina?”
“Run by a private company. Got a guy on duty during the day.”
“Have you checked him out?”
“No red flags. Been working there for years. Company man, runs the place efficiently.”
A gust of wind whipped up the flames of the bonfire. Bright sparks shot up in the air before burning out, ash drifting down to the sand. The scent of burning wood floated toward Dylan as he processed the information. The chief knew the locals, so he’d have to trust him on this.
“Who noticed the boats coming in and out at night?”
“Local fishermen. They’re a tight group, watching out for each other. Notice when strangers show up snooping out their favorite spots.”
“Are you looking at any possible suspects?”
“A few guys have come across our radar.”
He reined in his impatience at the chief’s vague answer. “Names?”
“A couple of young punks showed up here about three months ago. Been hanging around the marina. Had a couple run-ins with ’em. Ran their names through the system. Petty stuff mostly, but with the news of a drug dealer in the wind, we’re taking it seriously. I got the names back at the station.”
Good. Somewhere to start. “Anyone else you’re looking at?”
The chief hesitated. Dylan had to hand it to the man. He’d shared a lot so far, but now wasn’t the time to backpedal.
“Still think I’m going to interfere?” he asked.
The chief met his gaze head-on. “Look, I’m bein’ careful. For both of us.”
Dylan’s hands fisted in his pockets. Patience, he reminded himself. He wasn’t going to find Esposa tonight and he needed the chief’s assistance. No point blowing it by ticking off this man.
“Got it.”
The chief chewed on Dylan’s answer before replying. “Local guy. Will Lawrence. Also been hangin’ at the marina, which is odd ’cause he doesn’t own a boat.”
“Does he have legitimate reasons for being there?”
“He’s an accountant.”
“So he could be there on business?”
“Yeah. The company that runs the marina is out of town, so Will does the bookkeeping. Known the guy since he was a kid, but I gotta say, something feels off.”
A jolt of excitement charged Dylan’s veins. He never ignored a fellow officer’s gut when he claimed something was hinky. “I’ll run his name. See if I can find anything more.”
“Doubt it. He’s a Cypress Pointe resident. Never been in trouble with the law or run with the wrong crowd. He was popular in school. Runs a stable business.”
That the chief knew of. People involved with criminal activity didn’t usually announce it to the world.
The chief’s face remained tight, his gaze daring Dylan to contradict him. “I pride myself on knowing the people around here. Just ’cause something might be off doesn’t mean he’s a criminal.”
“Fair enough.” Dylan scanned the crowd, still jazzed that there might be some leads in this town. “Is he here tonight?”
“Haven’t seen him.” The chief craned his neck, his gaze hunting over the people assembled. “His sister is by the fire. Over there, talking to two other women.”
Dylan searched in the direction the chief pointed out, his chest tightening when he saw Kady, the woman from the wedding. Just to be sure, he asked, “Her name?”
“Kady Lawrence.”
“You don’t say.”
The chief shot him a sharp look. “You know her?”
Dylan shook his head. “Only met her briefly at my cousin’s wedding.”
“She’d be the one delivering the flowers.” The chief squinted, like he was searching his memory. “She got into some mischief as a kid, but nothing serious. She works at the family flower shop. Nothing to tie her to her brother’s activities besides the family business.”
But there was a connection and Dylan never took opportunities like this for granted. Kady’s brother might be innocent, but he was a solid lead Dylan planned on pursuing. Spending time with Kady to get to the truth was an added bonus.
The few minutes they’d spent talking at the reception had him thinking about her on and off all day. She’d managed to snag and hold his attention, something that rarely happened when he was deep in a case. Well, he wasn’t technically on a case, but he had been focused on Esposa for the past few months. She might not have any tie to this investigation, but now he had an excuse to seek her out. Not that he’d reveal a thing. He still intended to keep his cover hidden until he learned anything useful.
Watching Kady laugh with her friends, Dylan resisted the urge to pull her from the group and question her. Because he wanted to be near her again? Smell her sweet perfume? Slow down, Matthews. She’s part of the puzzle.
The chief’s voice cut into his thoughts. “Got a local PI by the name of Max Sanders keeping an unofficial eye on things. He helps me out from time to time when I’m down on manpower. Good guy. You’ll probably want to speak to him.”
Dylan nodded, tucking the information away. “Thanks, Chief. I really appreciate you filling me in.”
Hands on his hips, legs spread in a military stance, the chief said, “Look, Matthews, I don’t have anything substantial to book these guys on, let alone connect them to Esposa. I haven’t searched the boats because I don’t have cause to. On top of that, your guy hasn’t been seen around here. This could be a complete misunderstanding.”
“Even strange boats in the marina?”
“I don’t know for sure if they’re involved in illegal activities or transporting drugs. It could simply be some fishermen I haven’t met before, looking for a place to drop their lines.”
Dylan watched the chief, his gut churning. The older man said one thing, but his eyes said another. He suspected the events were connected; he just couldn’t act on it. Yet.
“But you don’t think so.”
The chief went silent for a long moment. “No. I don’t.”
“Then we keep investigating. By the book.”
The chief shook his head. “You aren’t gonna give up on this, are you?”
“Not until I find the guy who killed my partner.”
The chief puffed up his cheeks and blew out a breath. “I get it, but I gotta say, be careful.”
“Always.”
Loud voices carried over the crowd, catching their attention. The chief perked up, his gaze assessing the situation on the other side of the bonfire. A heated argument between two burly guys looked like the makings of a fight. “Gotta get to work. Stay in touch.”
As the chief lumbered away, Dylan stared at the fire, lost in his thoughts. A group of women deep in conversation caught his eye, Kady among them. A strong protective streak swept over him, reminding the agent in him why his job was so important. But the urge to see her again reminded him that he was attracted to this woman. The brief encounter at the reception wasn’t long enough. Another chance to talk to the pretty lady presented itself and he wasn’t going to squander the opportunity.
* * *
WILL LAWRENCE STARED at the numbers, his eyes blurring. The dim lighting didn’t help. He could look at them a million more times but nothing would change. He needed more work, or a miracle, to replace the money in his family’s accounts.
He’d been an idiot. Knew better than to fall for get-rich-quick schemes. He’d been lured in by the promise of easy cash, sure this onetime venture would secure retirement not only for his folks, who’d worked for years to support their children, but also for Kady and himself. Flat out, he’d been played. Now he found himself in serious trouble.
Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
His granddad’s old saying. What would the old man say now if he knew what Will had done? Getting involved in an investment through the friend of a friend was a risky choice, but with his parents talking seriously about retiring, he’d hoped to add more funds to their portfolio.
From the partially open office window, Will heard a commotion from the beach, a mere block away. Rubbing his eyes, he stood and crossed the room. Stared outside. Normally he’d be part of the rowdy crowd, enjoying his friends. Joking around like he didn’t have a care in the world.
All that changed three months ago. It felt like a lifetime.
He turned, going back to his desk. He’d reviewed his personal budget, but even drastically changing his lifestyle wouldn’t be enough to make a difference. His only hope was the two appointments set up for next week. Through the grapevine he’d learned the country club needed a new bookkeeper. It was a big job, meaning lots of extra hours on top of his already established practice, but he would do it. If he was offered the job.
Then there was Jenna at Charming Delights Catering. Her business had grown quickly, so he scheduled an interview for next week. Every new account he could secure would help in the long run.
He’d already picked up additional work at the marina. Lined up some safe investments, which would bring in close to half of what he owed, except it took time. He was amazed at how quickly one could lose a bundle of money versus it slowly trickling back. But he had no one but himself to blame.
Slumping in his chair, he scanned the room. Anything else beat concentrating on the unchanging numbers. His gaze came to a screeching halt when he viewed the diplomas on his office wall. Top-ten college. Graduated summa cum laude. His CPA accreditation. First in his class.
What good was it all now? If word got out that he’d lost his own family’s money, his reputation would be useless. Unless he fixed the situation. Fast.
This morning, when his sister balked at selling the shop, he’d been relieved. If his folks reconciled their true financial situation, they would learn money was missing. Demand explanations. Wanting his parents to be set when they retired was a lame excuse for his losing their money, even if it was true. They would be disappointed in him, with cause. He’d let them down. Thank goodness they didn’t have a clue.
But instead, Kady’s argument about running the shop saved him. Changing their parents’ minds bought him more time. They could go on a much-needed vacation and enjoy themselves. He would make it up to them no matter how long it took.
Kady managing the shop and weddings would keep her in the dark as well. He actually agreed with her vision, was happy she finally settled down to make a wise career choice. They didn’t usually see eye to eye, but her plan to build up their wedding market share made sound financial sense. Her business plan was good, as were her projections. She could actually make a name for The Lavish Lily since his parents wanted out. He was proud of her.
He only hoped he hadn’t ruined her dreams.
* * *
KADY’S EYES BURNED as the bonfire smoke blew in her direction. She blinked, which only caused tears to well. What was she? A smoke magnet? It seemed smoke had radar and blew in her direction, no matter where she sat. “Why do I let you guys talk me into coming out here?” she muttered, her throat drying up as the smoke engulfed her again.