From The Grave

Chapter 27

Luane decided that since April was out of the picture, her partner, Bishop Gravestone was going to provide her fee for work done to date and if it happened that he had the stamp, she might just up her fee and take it from him.

The goons he sent to Niue weren't just after the stamp; they were there to take out all the opposition. She picked up her cell and pressed the number for information and in two minutes she had Gravestone's number and ten minutes after that she had his address.

The taxi let her out at the front gate, accepted a generous tip and drove off. She waited until it was out of sight and then approached the gate, peering through at the well planted and cared for grounds. The gate was of course locked so she pressed the intercom button and waited.

"Yes, who is it please?" The voice was slightly accented and Luane pictured a Southeast Asian woman about twenty-six. It was also interesting to note that, in light of the question, there was no video.

"I'm here to see Mr. Gravestone about a certain airmail question."

"I'm afraid—"

"With good reason, my dear, do as I asked and make it snappy." Her voice prompted a moment of silence and then the rough voice of a man came on the phone.

"Who's this?"

"Someone you want to invite in, Bishop. Someone who has an interest in your recent acquisition."

The lock buzzed and the gate swung open. Luane smiled and strode through, taking her sweet time walking up the long drive to the house. When she reached the door, Bishop was standing put on the steps watching her and his eyes took in every inch from toe to top.

"Bishop, I presume. How nice to meet you at last."

"Am I supposed to know something abo—"

She removed her sun glasses and smiled up at him. The bandage covered almost half her face and clashed loudly with her caramel skin, jarring Bishop's senses. He knew who she was and in an instant he knew why she was there.

"Yes thanks, a drink would be delightful." She held the smile and climbed the steps, brushing right past him and into the cool, marble interior.

Bishop followed, closing the big double doors and admiring the audacity in both attitude and appearance.

"My goodness, I've never seen such an inspired umbrella stand." She ran slow fingers over the cool marble sculpture of Aphrodite.

"I'm inspired by beautiful things." He walked past her into the large dining room and beyond to the enclosed terrace.

Luane followed, taking in the veritable forest of hanging plants and ornamental furnishings. It was humid and she wondered if this was some imagined strategy on his part or he just liked the scent of damp soil.

"Vodka suit?" he asked, proffering a large glass.

"Eminently, Bishop. Thank you."

"Please." He indicated a metal bench and waited until she sat before joining her.

"Quite a collection."

"My contribution to clean air." He tossed back his drink and set the glass down on the floor. "Now, just why are you here?"

She crossed her legs and adjusted the crease on her slacks before answering and when she finished, Bishop had realized the danger he had placed himself in by admitting this woman to his home.

"You have to understand, my dear, my orders were for them to get the stamp, how they went about that was supposed to be their skill. I never gave any orders about eliminating opposition." He waved a nervous hand and felt sweat tickling his side.