Fast Cars (Working Title)

Chapter 20

The airhorn sounded, making both Don and Maisy jump. Maisy slid off him and landed on the floor. She grabbed the sarong and pulled it around her as the voice boomed through the air. "This is the US COAST GUARD. Prepare to be boarded."

Don groaned and grabbed for his shorts. "What now?"

"Maybe the man from the island called them."

"Maybe." He glanced at Maisy. "Where'd your clothes end up?"

She reddened and shook her head. "I have no idea."

Don chuckled and tossed her bikini top into her lap. "Here's part. Ummm. There it is." He knelt and retrieved the bottoms and held them out to her. "Would you like me to hold the wrap so you can get dressed?"

She shook her head as she tied the straps. "No. You're better at helping me out of things."

Don laughed and winked. "Yeah. Better hurry. The boat's almost here."

"Do you have any weapons, sir?"

"Uh, yeah. I have a pistol. It's not loaded. It's up by the wheel."

"Please step back and raise your hands, sir."

Don did as he was asked. Maisy wrapped the sarong around her waist and moved to stand beside him.

"Ma'am. Sir, we'll be boarding your boat now."

"Go right ahead," Don replied.

The boat immediately became crowded. "What do you have going on today, sir?"

"Just a bit of sight-seeing." Don shrugged. "Some romance. Dinner by starlight. That sort of thing."

"This boat has been reported stolen."

"What? It's a rental. I have the receipt." He took a step toward the wheel.

"Sir, stop right there. If you'll come with me, we'll discuss the situation with the owner."

Don rolled his eyes. "Fine. Come on, Maisy."

The man shook his head. "The lady can stay put. She'll be safe."

Don looked from the man to Maisy and back again. "I, uh..."

"Don, I'll be fine," Maisy said.

He shook his head and stepped into the other boat. He twisted around, trying to keep an eye on Maisy as the dingy made it's way back to the patrol boat.

"You know your boat is bugged, right?"

Don glanced back at the man. "Yeah."

"You played that really well."

Don chuckled. "Lots of experience. I couldn't disable the bugs on this trip."

"Your partner and captain are on board, waiting to talk to you."

"Good. I wondered what they'd come up with."

Don climbed the ladder and boarded the boat. He nodded to Charlie. "Sir."

"Don, what were you doing?"

Don stammered for a few moments. "I, uh, well, sir. It was like this."

"Nevermind. Here's the plan." The captain talked for several moments while a diver slid into the water on the opposite side of the boat.

Don exhaled slowly then nodded. "You're sure she'll be safe?"

Charlie nodded. "We've set up a safe house. Jax will be with her."

Don grinned. "How is he?"

"He's got some funky scars and his hair hasn't grown back right, but he's doing good. Not fit for duty but he'll do great protecting her."

Don nodded. "Okay. Let's do it." He was silent as they made their way back to the boat. He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow as the men vacated the boat.

Maisy stepped into his arms as they watched the boat motor away. "What was that all about."

"Someone misfiled the paperwork this morning. The owner reported it stolen. They had to track down the guy and sort things out." He shrugged. "No biggie."

"No biggie?"

Don pressed a kiss to her hair. "Did they hurt you?"

"No. They were all very professional and polite."

"Good." They watched the Coast Guard vessel motor away. The boat rocked in the wake. "Shall we go?"

"What happened to dinner by starlight?"

"Apparently, the owner needs a copy of the receipt as soon as possible. Rotten sucker. Ruined a perfectly good evening."

Maisy laughed.

Don looked over at her and chuckled.