Page 126 of Hard Luck (Blackstone House)

“What do you think they’re doing in the prison?”

Bella shrugged. “When I first realised they were using the place, I figured on human trafficking because that’s the perfect holding facility. It’s possible those bodies in the cells could have been girls who didn’t make it.”

Cole shook his head. “Jeron more or less said that those were people who ignored the ban on visiting the island.”

“Jeron?”

“The man in front of my cell. One of the others called him that.”

“Okay, so it’s probably some other kind of smuggling.”

“Like wildlife? I’ve heard rumours about that.”

“Possibly, but my money is on drugs. A boat comes from South America and drops off the goods, then these assholes pick up what they need when they need it. The government conveniently made this place off-limits, and folks in law enforcement are too superstitious to come here. Didn’t you say there was a drug problem in San Gallicano?”

Yes, Cole had said that. Could a gang really be using Skeleton Cay to store drugs? Bella’s logic made terrifying sense, and it also stirred up anger Cole hadn’t felt in a long time. Frankie’s little brother had died from an overdose a little over a year ago, and even though her father kept pushing for change from his position in government, nothing ever got done.

Cole was about to give in, to tell Bella to do whatever she needed to do, when she surprised him by acquiescing.

“Okay, fine. Let’s go take a look at the boat.”

At last, she stripped off the disgusting blanket and slung the gun across her chest using the carry strap. She even moved differently now, stealthy and catlike. Cole’s dick hardened involuntarily because the sick, sick part ofhim couldn’t keep his eyes off her ass in that bikini as she led him to the harbour with deadly grace.

A little way down the path, she held up a hand, stopping him.

“Wait here.”

“Where are you going?”

“Just wait here.”

She slipped into the foliage, and when she didn’t return right away, nerves set in. Cole began to feel vulnerable. Another minute, and he followed the path she’d taken, only to bump into her coming the other way. The first thing he noticed was that she was wearing a jacket. And boots, and a pair of sweatpants rolled over at the waist.

“Can’t you follow even the simplest of instructions?”

“Is there any dead person on this island whose clothing you aren’t going to borrow?”

“It’s not as if he needs it anymore. Do you want a shirt? I can find you a shirt.”

“No, I don’t want a fucking shirt.”

Cole would rather have sunburn than death cooties.

CHAPTER 44

COLE

“There’s no key,” Cole said after they’d jumped on board the Mako. Would this nightmare never end?

“Try this one.”

Bella threw him a bunch of keys. Three small ones, one large one. Cole tried the large key in the ignition, and although it fit in the slot, it wouldn’t turn.

“The key doesn’t work.”

“Fuck. I wasn’t sure it would—the guy loose in the prison is the one who was driving the boat, so if anyone has the key, it stands to reason that it should be him. I’m kinda surprised they didn’t just leave it in the ignition, though.”

“So we’re stuck here.”

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