From The Grave

Chapter 13

Cecil reported to Arlinu that two new arrivals at the hotel had been asking about the Americans and he had spoken to Miss Hantoi about saying anything.

"Gretta Lawrence. I have inquired about that name and I think we may have another potential buyer, Cecil. She represents CONGA."

"But they would represent our government would they not?"

"They would. It is their function to see that the world's treasures remain in the possession of their original owners. That doesn't preclude us doing business with them."

"Should I make an approach?"

"Let us just wait a day and see what they do."

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April told the receptionist that she had an appointment with Miss Treeline and was led to a lounge larger than any spa she had ever visited. Floor to ceiling windows along one wall looked out onto a walled garden lush with tropical plants and a pool shaped like an ink blot.

The floor was white tile with scarlet scatter rugs, matching chairs and recessed ceiling lights. In the centre of the room was a massage table replete with book support, drink holder and headphones for the sound system mounted under the table.

A tall blonde male, dressed all in white, smoothed oil over the bare back of the woman on the table and April caught her breath at the obvious beauty of the dark-skinned woman.

"Miss Weston, have a seat. Richard, fetch Miss Weston a drink." The masseuse immediately toweled his hands and went to a bar on an adjacent wall, mixing a cocktail without asking a preference and delivering with a practiced expertise. April thanked him and then lifted the glass to Luane in salute and drank.

"Your request has peaked my interest, Miss Weston."

"April, please. Let's begin a little less informally."

Luane considered her a moment and then gave a feline smile. "Very well . . . April. Just what exactly is your proposition?"

"Do you know Bishop Gravestone?"

"I do, a rather brutal man I've found. I performed a service for him once; that was enough. I sincerely hope he isn't involved in this request of yours."

April shifted in her chair as Richard worked the inside back of Luane's thighs. "You would be working for me. I have a- a loose, temporary partnership with Bishop because of Wayne. Those details don't matter, I am handling Wayne's end of the deal."

Luane smiled again and made a slight moan as Richard plied his trade. "You didn't like the 'staff' reference did you?"

"When I called you it was as I stated. Can we stop the incidental fencing and talk business?"

Richard patted her buttock and indicated she should turn over. Once again April was struck by her beauty and when Richard went back to work she found herself shifting slightly on the chair.

"Very well, April," Luane said to the ceiling. "My fee is always a percentage of the potential prize, whether or not you are successful in the end."

"What percentage?"

"Thirty."

"What?!"

"Check with Wayne, dear, it has always been agreeable in the past." Luane turned her head and closed her eyes as Richard moved up to her chest. "I'd like an answer now because I do have other plans I could be making."

April watched his manipulations and she gulped the last of her drink as she felt her mouth dry up.

"I can accept those terms. The job is the securing of a very valuable postage stamp from the Island of Niue in the South pacific."

"Who has it now?"

April explained what Bishop had told her and what he had done so far. She was expecting another update soon and would pass that information on immediately.

"Why do you need me if he has already sent his own people?"

"He- we, want somebody more skilled to deal with another interested party."

"Who?"

"Gretta Lawrence, she's with—"

Luane sat bolt upright, startling Richard and April both. "Gretta Lawrence!"

"Yes, she's with CO—"

"I know who she's with! I know about Gretta Lawrence, thank you very much."

"Is there problem?" April couldn't take her eyes from Luane's figure.

"Yes. My percentage would have been considerably larger if I had known that in advance."

"Are you- are you backing out?" She had to stand and walk away, looking out into the garden.

"I made a deal, I honour it. That's all, Richard." Luane swung her long legs off the table and stood while he wrapped her robe about her then left the room. "Do you know Gretta Lawrence?"

April turned slowly, relieved to see that Luane was covered. "Only her reputation as a successful agent for CONGA."

"Successful, yes." Luane laughed and stood beside her at the window. April looked into her black eyes and felt a weakness in her knees. "Gretta Lawrence is very successful."

"Are you . . ." She had to clear her throat. "Are you worried?"

Luane pursed her lips and wagged her head slightly. "Concerned, not worried. I believe I can handle myself with Gretta Lawrence. It's just that it makes the job considerably more difficult; she is tenacious. Extremely tenacious." Luane stared into April's face and allowed a tiny grin over the effect she was having on the woman.

"I think you should call Bishop now and get me the latest update before I make any plans."

Automatically, April took out her phone and dialed. When he answered she asked for her update and after several moments of silence, she closed the phone and stared at Luane.

"It seems we have problems already."

Luane slipped off the robe and began to dress. April ripped her eyes away and faced the window again.

"That doesn't sound good."

"He sent three men to Niue to negotiate for the stamp. One was killed by the man who has it in his possession, an Arlinu Tomambou. The others were put back on their boat and they are there now." April heard the rustle of clothes and she wet her lips. "He also says that a plane left New Zealand yesterday with a couple aboard; his source learned that it was—"

"Gretta Lawrence and her partner, Arnold Wainright." Luane gave her skirt zipper an angry tug and tossed her mane of sleek, black hair. "I guess I'm going to the South pacific."

April turned around and closed her eyes, never had she felt so intimidated by another woman's beauty.

"I'll- I'll give you my cell number. Keep in touch."