Shattered Dreams (12 page)

The hour was late, but even without the sun, moisture hung in the air and added to the cloying heat of the night. Sweat seeped from her pores and pooled into droplets before finally dripping off her chin to soak into already damp clothes. She was beyond hot. Hell might be cooler.

Halting in mid-step, she moved to take the helm and shut down the autopilot. She continually wiped her hands on her shorts to keep them dry enough for gripping the wheel.

Once docked, she’d be home free. It had been so easy. She’d get away with murder. Who knew killing provided such a rush?

Then her thoughts turned to Carl. She should have known better than to trust that lying, cheating scumbag. The bastard got his in the end, though—paid with his life. She almost wished he were still alive so she could kill him again for his treachery.

So he’d thought he could get away with changing plans in midstream and then charm her into easy submission? Ha! He’d underestimated her. Such a stupid, vain man. Always did think too highly of his sexual prowess. He’d even thought he could dismiss her from his life so effortlessly and go back to
her
. Carl’s precious Claire, so naive and trusting.

Well, he’d soon found out differently, and so would Claire.
No one dismisses me.

She laughed. The sound came out in a brittle bark.

Intense hatred filled her as she thought of her nemesis. Poor, sweet Claire, who always got all the attention by being so soft and angelic, would soon feel her wrath. All she had to do was watch from the sidelines and add some sympathy.

Let things play out. That was all. And if they didn’t, she only had to give them a nudge in the right direction. She’d planned this for too long to let sentiment get in the way now.

Her new plan would work.

Chapter 14

“Hey, Roberts—you busy?”

“Trying to catch up. Why?” Jason smiled, recognizing Jimbo’s drawl on the phone on Friday morning, three days after his sail with Claire. He’d been swamped and had been meaning to give his friend a call to see if he’d unearthed anything in the mystery of the missing spouse.

“Been busy too. Don’t think you’re going to like what I’ve uncovered, though.”

“About the absent husband?”

Jason swiveled his chair to look out over the water. He purposely hadn’t told Jimbo of Claire’s dismissal. He wanted the investigator to continue with his digging, mainly out of curiosity. This phone call meant one thing. Jimbo had hit pay dirt.

“Yeah, I pretty much finished my report on Carter. I meant to call last night, but got sidetracked with another job.”

“Okay. I’m all ears.”

“Not over the phone. In person, so let’s go to lunch.”

“It’s a little early for lunch.” Jason glanced at his watch. It was only ten a.m.

“Not that early, and this is worth it. I’ll drive. Meet you in ten, downstairs.”

“All right.” He sighed. “But this better be good.”

“It is.”

• • •

“Where is she, Amy?” Jason’s abrupt voice cut through the air as he stalked up to Claire’s assistant’s desk after noting the nameplate.

Clearly startled, a baffled expression crossed Amy’s face.

“What?” she said. “Who?”

“Claire Carter.”

“She’s not here.” Her back stiffened and her expression closed. “If you’d care to leave a name and number, I’ll make sure she gets the message.”

Jason leaned forward on the desk and said in a menacing tone, “Skip the message. I’ll deliver it myself. Just tell me where she is.”

“Look, buddy—”

“Jason Roberts. And I expect an answer.
Now
.”

Amy definitely took notice of his name while chewing on her bottom lip and eyeing him as if contemplating her next move. Finally, she heaved an exaggerated sigh.

“She’s at home, but you may miss her because she’s planning on going to the marina. She took the afternoon off to clean her boat.”

“Thanks.” He turned and headed for the elevator.

Jason didn’t remember much about the drive to Claire’s house, situated on the Intracoastal Waterway south of Boca Raton and north of Fort Lauderdale, nor did he take the time to notice the lush, manicured surroundings as he jumped out of his car and strode up to her door.

“What the hell’s going on?” he said as he pushed past her when she answered the door. “You couldn’t be bothered with at least giving me a courtesy call?”

“What?”

Damn
. The woman’s surprise was genuine, making him realize she was twice as cunning as Crystal. Her innocent expression sent his blood pressure spiking as he strode into the immaculate house.

“I received an interesting call today. My investigator gave me an update.”

He stifled an urge to hit something as he paced the length of her living room, not seeing the furnishings in front of him that could grace the pages of any decorating magazine. His voice held none of the fury he was feeling, his words flowing out in a deceptively controlled, low tone.

“Would you like to take a gander at what the update said?”

“I don’t have a clue.” Claire pivoted away from him to finish packing a small bag resting next to a bucket filled with cleaning supplies. “Besides, I fired you, remember? I’m rather busy right now, so can we have this conversation another day?”

“I don’t believe this.” He shook his head and walked over to the wall of windows, where he stood staring out at the water before he spun around. “Carl Carter was alive and well two days ago. And guess who was seen going into his room at the Ocean View Resort?”

Jason studied her, looking for a reaction. Except for the stiffening of her back, there was none. She continued packing without meeting his gaze. Once done, she headed into the kitchen.

He followed. “Why didn’t you tell me you saw him?” he shouted when she ignored him as if he weren’t there.

His question stopped her in mid-stride.

“So?” Her chin inched upward as Claire glared at him with stormy green eyes. “I can’t believe you’re upset because I didn’t tell you.”

“You didn’t think this information might interest me?”

“What difference does it make when he’s alive and I told you to stop looking for him?”

She moved to open the freezer, pulled out the ice bin, and took it over to a cooler sitting on the floor. As she emptied the ice into the cooler, she said, “It’s no longer your problem.”

“I thought the other night meant something. I thought we were friends.”

“Carl has nothing to do with our friendship. I found out where he was staying, and I confronted him.” She turned to place the bin back and closed the freezer door. “I’ve decided to file for divorce.”

This news floored him. “And you didn’t think to tell me?”

Shit! This couldn’t be happening. Jason raked a hand through his hair in an effort to still the urge to wrap his hands around her neck and twist for not telling him that little detail either. He stared at her for a long moment. When she ignored his question, he asked one more, hoping to rattle her.

“Did you know Carl also had another visitor?”

Claire continued putting items in the cooler as if he hadn’t spoken.

“One who just happened to be your sister,” he yelled, incensed with her actions.

Jimbo had learned that Carl Carter was holed up a room at the Ocean View, and the PI had staked it out. In the course of two hours on Wednesday afternoon, two women had paid him visits—Claire Carter and Crystal Grayson.

“Crystal?”

“Don’t bullshit me. You knew damn well he was seeing her.”

That was also part of O’Malley’s report. He’d uncovered evidence of an affair with Claire’s sister, as well as evidence that Claire had known about it. The room at the resort had been reserved and paid for with a credit card in Claire’s name. The clerk behind the counter identified Claire’s picture as the woman who registered for the room. Since Claire probably didn’t reserve the room, Crystal was the only one who could have.

Claire shook her head. Jason wasn’t sure the glimpse of pain was real or imagined, yet he wasn’t about to let it keep him from getting what he came for—answers.

“I appreciate all your help in this, but I don’t want it,” she stated abruptly. Her movements became clipped, and irritation flitted over her face. “Your services are no longer required. I thought I’d made myself perfectly clear the other night. Just send me a bill.”

She continued loading the cooler. When it was full, she picked it up and added while walking past him, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got work to do.”

Jason stepped in front of her, effectively blocking her path. She stopped and set the cooler down.

“What about us?”

“Us?” She snorted. “Jason, there is no us.”

“You’re going to tell me Tuesday evening didn’t mean anything?”

“That was a mistake. One that won’t be happening again.”

“A mistake?” He wiped his face with his hand, letting his fingers settle on the back of his neck. He met her gaze, refusing to believe what she was saying.

“Jason, I—”

“Don’t,” he threatened in a growl. “Don’t demean it by pretending you didn’t feel anything. I was there.” As he held her gaze, something flickered in her eyes before her expression closed again. He shook his head in disgust and said in a louder voice, “You didn’t think to tell me you’d decided to divorce him?”

“You couldn’t figure that out on your own? Didn’t your friend’s report give you a clear idea of what a lowlife Carl is? You think I’d be so stupid to stay with him after what he put me through?” she shouted, matching him in volume. “I wish he had died. It would save me the trouble of divorcing him. Now, please move,” she demanded, and bent over to pick up the cooler. “I’ve got a bloody boat to clean.”

Of all the words he was expecting to come out of her mouth, those were a mile from them. He planted a foot on the cooler, effectively keeping her from lifting it.

“I deserve the courtesy of an explanation,” he said, his voice just above a whisper.

Again she eyed him, chewing on her bottom lip as indecision wavered in those beautiful eyes.

“I owe you nothing but money,” she said a moment later. She pushed his leg aside and picked up the cooler. “Like I said, bill me and you’ll get paid.”

“Bullshit. There’s more going on here, and I’m going to find out what it is.”

“Will you please get out of my way?”

She tried to shove past him but he stopped her, putting his hands over hers to take the heavy cooler. “I’m going with you.”

She glared at him as a battle of wills ensued. Finally, she let go and maneuvered around him.

“Suit yourself.” Hefting her packed bag and cleaning supplies, she led him toward the garage.

He could tell from her resolute expression she wasn’t about to give him any easy answers.
Fine
. If Claire Carter thought she could dismiss him so readily, she was in for an epiphany.

When she flicked her keyless entry, the trunk lid shot up. He dropped the cooler inside and turned around, taking her bag with one hand and snatching her keys with the other.

“I’ll drive.” He shut the trunk and opened the passenger door. He waited for her to climb inside, having no doubts about being a dead man if the daggers of annoyance she sent him were actual darts.

Staring into those deep, dark pools of green now, they reminded him of evergreens on a cloudy day. He sighed, holding on to his anger to keep from saying something he’d regret. He slammed the door once she was seated and went around to the other side before getting into the Lexus SUV. He then started the engine, pushed the button to the garage door, and backed out after it opened.

Minutes later, they were headed south on I-95 toward Miami and Key Largo, where Claire docked
Solitude
.

Chapter 15

“Do I get the silent treatment the entire drive?” he asked.

Claire aimed a wary glance in Jason’s direction and noticed the way his mouth curved down at the edges. She could still feel anger pouring out in his stiff posture.

“What’s there to say?” she asked, shrugging. “Seems you know it all.”

“How about letting me in on what’s been going on?”

His intense sapphire gaze snared hers for the briefest moment, flashing something she didn’t expect. That couldn’t be hurt she spotted before he banked the look and turned away. She certainly hadn’t thought his feelings could be bruised so easily.

“Nothing’s going on.” She leaned back against the headrest before closing her eyes and sighing, unsure of what to do next.

Jason seemed upset because she hadn’t confided in him. Yet how could she? She hadn’t felt comfortable confiding in anyone about how stupid she’d been. Believing Carl’s lies. Finding out where he was staying, as well as being confronted with a few facts of more infidelity was more than enough fuel to add to her anger, and certainly not something she could share with Jason. The man already knew too much about her.

“You might as well tell me, Claire, because I’m not going away,” he said moments later, drawing her attention back to him. “I’m on your side, remember?”

Sincerity spilled out of his searching, compelling gaze, triggering tears. “Why do you care?” she asked, blinking them back and refocusing on the passing scenery.

“Do I have to spell it out for you?”

She inhaled deeply. Warmth infused her at his heartfelt words while his gentle tone eased some of the pain from being taken in by Carl Carter one more time.

She remained silent, thinking. “I don’t want to talk about it,” she eventually said, the sound of her soft voice breaking the quiet.

“I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me.”

“All talking will do is remind me how stupid I was.”

He hesitated, and his expression changed to one of concern. “You aren’t responsible for his actions.”

“Maybe not. I’ve known for a long time Carl wasn’t the perfect husband. I can handle imperfection. It’s the lies and cheating that have taken their toll.”

When a look of surprise touched his eyes, she smiled. “I suspected, but I never had proof.”

In all honesty, she’d never wanted proof, didn’t want to face proof, so she’d wrapped herself in work and pretended things were better than they really were. Except, she couldn’t admit that to Jason.