Grab and Go

Part 4

The SUV drove past the Mudjin Bar & Grill, a quaint little bar that sat directly above the water. Mitchell watched it intently, seeing a few tourists inside as well as one of Tropical Suns guards. Someone of importance belonging to the company was there. Anyone who had attained considerable standing within the group was given a personal guard everywhere they went unless dismissed by the VIP them self in the case of privacy. They then came upon a bridge, and posted there was a small little booth like structure with one man inside watching a small television on the table, and a second man outside wearing a Tropical Suns uniform. It was a toll booth. Any piece of infrastructure the company purchased and operated was always scattered with tolls. A quick and painless way to acquire some money. When the man outside the booth saw Walter driving the vehicle, he simply nodded and waved him through. He had already seen the man a little while before on his way to collect the expected three men from the airstrip and plus, respected members of Tropical did not have to pay the tolls. A privilege Walter gained through his many, many years of service to the company, as well as training a student that has showed much potential aka the esteemed yet young Mitchell.

As they drove on, Mitchell glanced in the rear view mirror to check on the three stooges in the backseat. He made sure to place James in between Dave and Maria, and chastised Dave for picking on the hostage. It still didn't stop him from making sexual motions and movements towards her however. When they rounded the northern most tip of the island, it swung southwest towards what they called the "three cays". There were three separate small islands before hitting Five Cays Settlement, the main city on the islands. Parrot Cay was quick to cross since most of it was uninhabited, yet the view remained stunningly impressive nonetheless. Dellis Cay, the second in line, was much smaller and looked like a hill rising out of the water. After passing that and clearing the hillside, the last Cay came into view. Pine Cay, and sitting right on top was a humongous and glorious mansion built to look like a Caribbean style theme had been mixed in with the architecture. There used to be a small airfield and a small hotel there, but Caterina bought all the property in the northern half and built the stupendous home on top. Four floors high and with a deck the size of a suburb house, it extended outwards towards the water that had an excellent view of North and South Caicos. There was a mini parking lot by the front, and there parked was a 2019 Cadillac ATS, along with three more SUV's suited and modified to withstand small arms fire and small explosive projectiles. No doubt Caterina's personal detail she kept by her. The entire second and third floors were completely outlined with full glass, making it visible to see in every direction. The fourth floor aired out on top, with a hot tub and mini pool along with beach chairs, a bar and tables with umbrella's. Only the upper echelon of the elite could afford a place like this, and she definitely fit into that category. 

Just as they approached, Walter abruptly stopped after crossing the bridge and pulled over behind a small sand dune, partially blocking the view from the mansion. Mitchell looked over to his friend with a puzzled look. He returned it by answering his expected question.

"I think we should walk from here. Catch up on things and also, you need to talk to her about what's going to happen from here on," he said dimming his voice down to a low whisper when mentioning Maria. Mitchell was reluctant to agree with the idea, but knowing Walter to be one of the best men he knew in his life, he nodded silently and turned around to repeat the suggestion to the three additions in the back. When they were all out and in a group, he motioned for James and Dave to go forward with Walter up front. When Maria started to follow, she felt Mitchell softly grab her shoulder and hold her back.

"We need to have a talk," he started. Maria, still in shock from the events earlier, remained silent. She had kept her head down and refused to speak at all unless it was dire. Feeling like he could try to comfort her, he carefully put his arm on her shoulder and began to guide her up to the top of the dune. She shuddered and hesitated, but Mitchell had these encounters with dazed and scared people before. He leaned over and moved in close so she fell into place in front of him with her head against his chest. He then whispered into her ear.