Linda Howard - Burn

T HIS WAS THE VACATION FROM HELL .

Jenner Redwine sat frozen on the barstool, trying to remember what Bridget had told her and reconcile it with the nightmare that was actually happening. Shed been told that a man and a woman would argue at some point during the evening. The woman, Tiffany would leave, and the man, Cael, would then approach Jenner. Shed been instructed to appear interested, and accommodating. She was to do exactly what he said, otherwise they would kill Syd, the only real friend she had in this world.

The scene wasnt unfolding as shed been expecting. Tiffany wasnt leaving the bar. She was screaming and stomping and throwing a drunken temper tantrum, though of course she wasnt really drunk. She was accusing Cael of sleeping with Jenner even though this was the first night on the ship and no one had slept with anyone yetprobablybecause of the early hour. Cael had approached Jenner before the argument started, though of course she hadnt yet realized who he was. Hed stood next to her at the crowded bar to order drinks, and he hadnt said anything suggestive. No, nothing about this night was playing out the way Bridget had briefed her, other than that a very public argument was taking place.

Cael would finesse the details, Bridget had said. He certainly had. Jenner had no idea what would happen next, which was probably a good thing. She wasnt an actress, couldnt play along like a practiced con who rolled with the punches. They obviously could.

The man who had jostled Cael earlier had joined in the argument, as loud and drunken as Tiffany, telling her she didnt know what she was talking about and she was drunk and should go to her cabin and sleep it off. He was determined to take the blame for starting the unpleasantness, which was nice of him even if he was drunk. Or maybe he was one of them, Jenner thought, because she didnt know him and, really, he could be anyone.

The only people she couldnt be suspicious of, she realized, were the people she already knew. She might not know who she couldnt trust, but she definitely knew who she could, for all the good it would do her. Whatever was going on, she was in on it, sink or swim, because of Syd. Her friend was being threatened, and Jenner wanted to be pissed. If she could get pissed, then she wouldnt be so afraid.

She wanted to be able to do something to get these people out of her lifeand Syds. Instead she was terrified that no matter what she did, things wouldnt work out well for either of them. Being so afraid of what might come next, and not knowing what would happen next, made her feel helpless, and that wasnt a trait she admired in anyone, least of all herself.

Maybe it was time she took control of some of the details, the way she had by going out on the balcony when Faith had been standing guard. She slipped off the stool and tried to edge her way around Cael, as if she were trying to escape the scene, but Tiffany saw her and shrieked, Dont try to run off like youre Little Miss Innocent! I saw you flirting

I dont know you, said Jenner, interrupting her even as Cael turned and subtly shifted his position to block her avenue of escape. And I dont know him, so leave me out of your nasty little tantrum. She caught the eye of someone she knew from Palm Beach, Leanne Ivey, and gave a helpless, I-dont-know-whats-going-on shrug. Leanne gave her a sympathetic look in return.

Faith suddenly detached herself from the crowd and approached Tiffany, putting her arm around the black-haired womans shoulders and softly saying something to her. Tiffany responded by bursting into tears, and Faith gently led her away, putting an end to the dramatics. Almost simultaneously, Faiths husband, Ryan, limped up to Cael. That was nice of you to give her your stateroom, he said in a perfectly pitched tone that was just loud enough for those around them to hear.

Cael shrugged. I could hardly toss her out, could I? He was still keeping Jenner blocked from leaving, and now he and Ryan had her sandwiched between them. She was trapped, as surely as if theyd each grabbed her by an arm and held on tight. Not that it mattered. She had nowhere to go, though surely her expression plainly said she wanted to get away.

The Silver Mist was a big ship, filled with people surrounded by water. Even if these people werent threatening her friend, where would she go if she managed to escape? Cael would find her, no matter where she tried to hide. Much as she hated to play along, she didnt want to find out what he might do if he didnt get his way.

There was a mix-up on our suite, continued Ryan, and we have a two-bedroom instead of one. Youre welcome to take the other room, if you like.

Much obliged. But first Ill check to see if another stateroom is available. Have you heard if the cruise is sold out?

Jenner wanted to scream. The two men sounded so normal, as if this were a perfectly natural conversation. She knew it was anything but, though no one else would realize what was going on. She supposed that was the plan, but this chatting was like sandpaper on her nerves.

Ryan lifted one shoulder. I havent heard. But if there isnt, you can definitely stay with us. Ive already cleared it with Faith, so dont think shell mind. He looked at Jenner then, giving her a friendly, almost gentle smile. What a way to start the cruise, huh?

With a bang, she agreed, once more trying to slide sideways around them. She could barely take in a breath with the two men towering over her, closing her in. They stole her air, and she needed to breathe. She felt as if she were being crushed, though neither of them was actually touching her. And then

Ryan reached out and took hold of her elbow, a gentlemanly gesture that nevertheless anchored her in place. Have you two actually met, or were you just caught in the explosion?

No, we havent met, Cael said, even though Ryan had asked the question of her.

That makes the whole scene even more ridiculous, doesnt it? Ryan said with a rueful laugh, man to man. Jenner Redwine, this is Cael Traylor.

Pleased to meet you, said Cael, extending his hand, and Jenner had no choice but to extend her own. His hard warm fingers enfolded hers, and she felt calluses on his palm. She looked up and met cold blue eyes that were watching every move she made, reading every flicker of expression that crossed her face.

They had set up a situation that showed both Cael and herself in a more positive light, she realized, than if hed dumped Tiffany and immediately made a move on her. Bridget must have passed along the comment that Jenner had made, that hooking up with sleazoids was out of character for her. They didnt want anyone suspicious of their sudden romance. By making Tiffany look obnoxious and drunk, they had tilted public sympathy toward the new couple. And now here they were, being properly introduced by a man who was, to all appearances, perfectly harmless and acceptable.