Thor felt suddenly irritated. He didnt know why exactly, but Sheridan bugged him. The man had even hinted that perhaps Thor should find another diver for his team. He didnt like bringing in someone he didnt know well. Maybe hed have to hire someone else, he decided. They were looking for needles in a really giant haystack, and he wanted to do more of the actual diving himself. Well, tomorrow, at least, he would have an extra body around, if needed, with Sheridan there. That would work, for now, although he wasnt sure how long he wanted Sheridan on his boat. Maybe it would all work out without bringing in untested strangers.
The day had yielded nothing, but Genevieve still felt on top of the world.
She had slept with every light in the bungalow on, dreading the darkness. But she had drifted off at some point and actually slept reasonably well.
She had tried to appear completely calm, competent and rational throughout the morning, even allowing the others to joke at her expense. She simply wasnt going to live this down for a while. And yet, despite her apparent calm, she had been terrified all morning, praying silently not to have any visions this time, not to see a dead woman telling her to beware.
All day, she had stayed closer to Victor than usual, all the while trying not to let him know what she was doing. But if she saw something, she was determined he was going to see it, too.
There had been no finds. But there had been no corpses in the water, either. That made the day a great success, as far as she was concerned.
By five she had washed down her own equipment, helped with the boat, showered and changed. She wasnt fond of hanging around by herself, so she hurried out to the tiki bar.
She was the first arrival from either of the crews. Clint saw her, and brought over a Miller Lite. You do want a beer, right?
I do. Thank you.
He grinned. Its the only appropriate libation for kick-ass women.
Bethany likes piña coladas, she reminded him.
Wellsome chicks can get away with it, he assured her. Ah, the big guy himself.
Genevieve thought he had to mean Zachshe hadnt met many people in her life quite as tall as Zach. But then she turned and realized Clint wasnt referring to Zach. He was talking about the man she had personally dubbed asshole.
To her displeasure, he headed right for her. Then again, the only other guests enjoying the thatched shade of the tiki bar right now were an elderly couple who had told her earlier they hailed from Ohio. A nice couple, but not exactly people any of them knew.
Not that he exactly knew her, Genevieve thought as he approached.
He didnt ask if he could join her, just noddedeyes shaded behind dark glasses againand slid into one of the chairs. By the time he was seated, Clint had returned with a beer.
One of these days, do you think I can head out with you guys? Clint asked him.
Thor shrugged, accepting the beer with a quick Thanks. He looked up at Clint. What kind of a diver are you?
A good one. I have a masters certification.
Thor gave Clint a long assessment, not a muscle in his face so much as ticking. Sure. Take time off next week. But out on the boat, Im not just captain, Im God Almighty. If you can live with that?
Shit, yes, Clint said, then caught himself. Sorry, Genevieve.
I think shes all right with the word, Thor said, smiling. Evidently he hadnt forgotten a single one of her words to him.
No problem, Clint, she replied. And if you want, Im sure you can go out with us, too, one of these days. She hoped her sunglasses were every bit as opaque as Thors and her smile every bit as pleasant.
Cool. Clint was still looking at Thor, as if for approval. After a moment, he moved away awkwardly, giving them a thumbs-up sign.
So, how was your day? Thor asked her once Clint had moved on.
Fine, just fine.
Nothing down there, huh?
If there had been, I would have reported it.
Nothing strange, I meant.
She forced another smile. You know, I really dont know who you think you are. Ive been out on these reefs all my life. I know every landmark. And Ill bet I make a discovery before you do.
He sat back, a small smile curving his lips. You think you can outdo me, Miss Wallace?
I know I can.
He shook his head, amused. For a brief moment, she wondered what the hell she was doing. He had a sixth sense when it came to finding what was lost beneath the sea.
Interesting, he said. Youre really throwing down the gauntlet.
Yes, she was. And that, she realized, seemed to take him from believing she was nuts in one way to believing she was nuts in another, saner, way.
Well? she demanded icily.
He shrugged. Is this a dare? For real?
You bet.
Youre on.
Good.
Were talking about a real relicnot imagined, he said.
Absolutely, she agreed.
All right. Whats the bet? he asked.
She shrugged. The stakes hadnt entered her mind.
A round of beers? she suggested.
He shook his head. Far too cheap.
She arched a brow. I planned on a friendly wager.
A friendly wager?
Okay. So were far from being friends.
Do you have so little faith in yourself?
Should I be betting my house? she inquired lightly, feeling ever-so-slightly ill in the pit of her stomach.
He shook his head, his smile deepening. I wouldnt dream of taking your house.
What makes you think youd take it? And what would I be gettingwhen I win?
He laughed out loud then, truly enjoying himself. I have a nice place in Jacksonville.
But I have no desire to leave the Keys.
As I said, I have no intention of taking your home, either.
He was intent on winning, she knewdespite the fact she couldnt see his eyes. There was a tightening, barely visible, in his muscles. His male ego was taking over. Testosterone was racing. It was pathetically immature, she thought.
She had started it.
You wont get a chance to take my home, she assured him coolly.
Well, a round of beers is too paltry, claiming your house too serious. I guess we could give this thing some thought overnight, hmm? he suggested.
Whatever you wish, Mr. Thompson, she said stiffly.
No, whatever you wish, Miss Wallace, he replied mockingly.
Tomorrow morning, then, we decide the bet, she said.
Ive got an idea, he murmured, looking amused. But you wont like it.
She was suddenly certain she knew the nature of his wager. It should have infuriated her. Instead, it just made the challenge greater.
Really? she murmured, suddenly aware of her own muscles tightening with the same tension, the same sense of challenge and ruthless determination, as his. Worse, his air of sexual innuendo only increased her fighting spirit.
You really dont want to know. Its a pretty wacko thought.
I think I do know, Mr. Thompson. The question iswhat do I get when you lose? Sorry, a night in the sack with you isnt my idea of a prize.
He laughed softly. You made quite an assumption there, didnt you?
I think I do know, Mr. Thompson. The question iswhat do I get when you lose? Sorry, a night in the sack with you isnt my idea of a prize.
He laughed softly. You made quite an assumption there, didnt you?
She fought the wave of crimson that threatened to splash her cheeks and tried to bluff her way out of it. What kind of prize would be wacko to you? she asked sweetly.
He smiled, for once a simple, deep and, she had to admit, very nice smile. Wacko doesnt necessarily meanThe Seeker, he said suddenly.
What?
The Seeker. Youd get The Seeker.
She frowned. The boat is yours?
From bow to stern, yes.
Butshes your livelihood.
I wont lose.
Genevieve sat back, totally confused. Youd wager your dive boat? Against?
He smiled again, and this time it was far too sexy and seductive. Well, it was your suggestion.
Never!
My mind wasnt moving in that direction until you said something.
It sure as hell was.
I never would have voiced it if you hadnt.
She wasnt sure what she felt at that moment
You are joking, right? she asked softly.
He leaned forward; she found herself doing the same. The bet was between them; no one else would be in on it. Im not joking. If I lose, Ill pay up. Will you?
Youd risk your boat for a woman you think is crazy? she asked. You have to be crazier than you think I am.
He laughed. Not really. I wont lose.
Well see, wont we? she murmured.
So its a bet?
She noticed that Jack had made an appearance and was dragging another table over. She realized that in a few minutes the tiki bar would be crowded, as the crews from both boats all began to put in an appearance. In fact, she could see Lizzie and Zach approaching. Bethany, Alex, Victor and Marshall would no doubt be over in another few minutes.
People are coming, she murmured.
He gripped her wrist where it lay on the table. Is it a bet?
Yes, she hissed quickly.
One of us will have to lose, he said, stating the obvious.
It wont be me, she assured him. But dont worry. Ill take excellent care of my boat.
A touch of dry amusement entered his eyes, and he leaned close.
Dont you worry. Ill take excellent care of you.
The others were there before she had a chance to reply, and she rose to greet Elizabeth and Zach.
Maybe she was just being paranoid, but it seemed as if Elizabeth and Zach were looking at her oddly. Then again, it might not be paranoia. She hadnt been in great shape when she had surfaced yesterday. But Elizabeth had sympathy in her eyes as well as the same speculative look that Thor Thompson usually wore. You doing all right? Everything okay today? Elizabeth asked, taking the chair her husband offered her and drawing it up beside Genevieves.
Fine. Im really sorry I caused such a commotion yesterday.
Hey, Elizabeth said. Ive had a few weird experiences in the water, too.
Lizzie ran into a head once, Zach said.
We were diving a small plane crash in the Everglades. It was pretty grisly.
Genevieve nodded, staring across the table at Thor, who was smiling at Bethany. Asshole.
Ive done some recovery in the Everglades, and it is brutal, Genevieve said.
The muckyou cant see anything until its in your facethen, suddenly, youve found a body part, Elizabeth agreed. Butwell, you must have seen something. Maybe well find whatever it was in the next few days.
I hope so, Genevieve said. She looked at Thor again, clenching her teeth. I havent worked rescue and recovery all that often, but weve gone up to the Glades a few times. I dont know what this was. She waved a hand in the air. It had to be someones idea of a joke. A mannequin or something. She didnt believe it for an instant, but she was sick to death of the topic.
Hey, anybody want to head out for dinner? Bethany asked as she and the others came walking over.
I was thinking about eating here, Alex said. We were planning a pretty early morning, at least three dives. Im going straight to soda water after this beer.
You? Genevieve inquired skeptically.
We should call it an early night, Thor said. Were supposed to meet back out here on the patio tomorrow at seven-thirty.
Seven-thirty? Genevieve said. I thought it was eight-thirty? All we have to do is get up and walk out to the boats.
Our advisers are going to be here in the morning, Marshall said. Preston from the Coast Guard and Professor Sheridan, from the university.
Oh? Genevieve said.
Thor got the call when we were out today. Sorry, I missed telling you, Marshall said.
Had her own boss decided she was too far gone to receive information like everyone else? she wondered. Didnt he want her in contact with the higher-ups?
Great, she said. I guess we should call it an early night. She started to rise, but Marshall smiled, putting a hand on her shoulder to stop her.
I say we let the crew of The Seeker buy us dinner tonight.
Sure, Elizabeth said cheerfully. The hamburgers here are cheap enough. Well let you guys buy us steaks after our first discovery.
Ill go give Clint our order, Thor said, rising. Though what Marshall isnt telling you is that all our meals go on an expense account. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers? Any vegetarians in the group? He looked at Genevieve.
Of course, she thought. He already considered her a bit strange, so no doubt she must be a vegetarian in his red-blooded, rough-and-ready, American-male world. She suddenly wished she were a vegetarian, just so she could see the look on his face when she told him.
She decided not to answer him. Instead, she rose determinedly. I think Ill skip dinner. Ill see you all at seven-thirty in the morning. Good night.
Elizabeth looked at her in concern. You really should have some dinner.
Yeah, Bethany said, frowning.
Easier for you all to talk about me, if I just disappear, she thought, forcing a convivial smile.
Ive got snacks in the bungalow, she said. Thanks.
She left then. Thor, ordering the food from Clint, didnt even glance her way.
The bungalows were set no more than twenty feet apart, but they managed to feel private. They were nestled against a thin forest of sea grapes, pines and spindly oaks that shielded them from the rush of Duval Street and beyond. A stretch of beach lay in front of some, while the deeper water and the docks flanked others. The property wasnt big; there were only three piers, one with local boats and two for guests. She could see Jacks ramshackle fishing boat and Jays pleasure craft rocking gently at one pier, their work boats at another, awaiting the morning.
She entered her bungalow and looked around, admiring the casual plan. Each unit offered a refrigerator, microwave and wet bar, with a screen between the parlor/kitchenette/sitting area and the bedroom.
She turned on the television, feeling restless and eager for the sound of a human voice. Luckily, the television wouldnt rib her the way her so-called friends had.