The Cain Casey Series

Chapter Two

Key West, Florida

The dragon soared to the top of the hill again, sending a stream of fire down on the dark knight’s shield and igniting the wheat fields around him to a roaring blaze. The head encased within the armor was drenched in sweat, making the beast harder to see, but he wasn’t ready to surrender and take cover. With sword upraised he spied his opening to vanquish the evil serpent when—

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Remington Jatibon reached out and quieted the Blackberry sitting on the cooler, then read the message on the screen.

Time to go, great knight. Your kingdom awaits and there are dragons to slay.

“Damn, and I just got to the part where they actually used the word ‘vanquish.’”

The curse shattered the peaceful atmosphere created by the waves gently lapping on the shoreline. Remi punched in a phone number, and reality invaded her haven under the umbrella. “How far out are you, Simon? Your timing absolutely sucks, by the way.”

Simon Jimenez, the Cuban-born middle-aged woman who served as Remi’s main bodyguard, spoke. “The day you tell me one of the flying lizards actually wins, I’ll leave you alone. We’re five minutes out, so start walking to the landing pad. Juno’s waiting at the airport in Key West with your itinerary for the next couple of days, and it’s not looking pretty.”

From her seat on the private island, Remi trained her eyes to the east, trying to spot the approaching helicopter. The island, just a patch of sand and some palm trees a few miles south of Key West, was one of her favorite spots.

Instead of getting ready, Remi sat back in the chair, pulled another beer from the cooler, and gazed out over the blue-green water. She wanted a final respite before the itinerary her assistant Juno had put together kicked in.

“I thought I told you to start walking?” Simon asked fifteen minutes later.

“And I thought you worked for me, Simon?”

“That would explain your signature on my paycheck. Just remember to tell Juno who delayed us, because I’m not taking the blame again. Why can’t you go to Palm Springs like everybody else? The travel arrangements would be easier,” Simon stepped close to Remi’s chair, holding her hand up to shield her face from the sun.

“If I was like everybody else, your life would be infinitely boring. Besides, we aren’t late. The reception isn’t until tonight, so relax and have a beer.”

“Your brother called and wants to review the casino contract again before the meeting. He called Cain, your father, and even Muriel Casey for a sit-down this afternoon.”

“Once this thing is done I’ll treat you to a bottle of champagne.” Remi took a sip of beer and slowly faced her. “Come on, old girl, let’s see what else hell can dredge up for us today.”

Simon’s smile faltered and she pointed at Remi. “Watch it. Don’t tempt the fates.”

“It’s what I live for, Simon. It’s what I live for.”

New Orleans, Louisiana

“Are you sure?”

“Today, baby,” Emma said after she drank a little of her juice. Her usual cup of coffee was absent.

Emma and Cain had been back in New Orleans for two months, living with Jarvis and Muriel Casey again while the contractor finished repairing their house. As Cain had promised, their life had returned to normal after they’d returned from Wisconsin, or as normal as life with Cain ever got.

The one thing hard to miss was the FBI surveillance that had been stepped up from the moment Cain had hit their radar again. The invasion of privacy aggravated Emma, but the authorities were still wondering what had happened to the Bracato family, so Cain had warned her in advance what to expect.

“Today?” Cain asked again as she pushed away from the table.

“If you’ve got something else planned, then I suggest you reschedule.” Emma leaned back in her chair and tried to sound menacing. When Cain chuckled she realized she’d failed.

“Would you think less of me if I told you I’m scared?”

Emma laughed along with her. “I’m sure you’re quaking in your shorts.”

“Are you questioning your ability to make me quake in my shorts, lass?” Cain put her hand on her chest and widened her eyes.

“I just don’t want to waste the opportunity, love.”

Before Emma finished her statement, Cain had risen from her seat and dropped to her knees next to her. “You can’t think I’m not going with you. I’ve been waiting for this day from the second we talked about it. I love you and I’m ready.”

“I was just teasing you, honey. If anything, I’m enjoying my final days of you letting me lift my own glass.” Emma put her hands on Cain’s cheeks, then kissed her. “So are you free at ten?”

“Since my buddy, Dr. Casey, gave me a call and told me not to be late, I’ll be there.”

“Want to go upstairs and do everything we can to relax before our appointment?” Emma kissed her again. “Mook just left with the kids.”

“Then come with me, Mrs. Casey.” Cain stood and offered her hands. “Relaxation is my specialty.”

“Cain?” Katlin Patrick, Cain’s cousin and guard, stopped at the door of the dining room. “Sorry to interrupt.”

“What’s up?”

“Ramon called to remind you about today’s meeting.”

Cain glanced down at Emma before turning to Katlin. “Call him back and tell him today is out. Muriel can handle our end of things.”

Emma rested a hand on Cain’s chest and exercised her new partnership with Cain. “Katlin, please tell him if the meeting is after one this afternoon, Cain will be happy to be there.” She patted Cain’s chest when she felt her take a breath to start speaking. “We’ll be done by then, and I’ll be happy to nap while you’re out.”

“Call him then, and don’t bother us unless the house is on fire.”

“True, honey, you have other fires to start,” Emma said as she slipped her hand into the front of Cain’s pants to lead her upstairs.